Asparagus Gratin

Ingredients

• 1 kg green asparagus
• 1 kg white asparagus
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp ground anise
• 30 g flour
• 375 ml milk
• 125 ml heavy cream
• 100 g grated Gruyère cheese
• freshly ground pepper
• nutmeg
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
• butter (for the dish)

Instructions

1. 1.

   Wash the green asparagus, trim the ends and cook in lightly salted water for 6 minutes; drain and set aside.

2. 2.

   Wash the white asparagus, peel it, trim the ends and cook in lightly salted water for 12 minutes; drain and set aside.

3. 3.

   Heat butter. Sauté anise and flour until fragrant, then deglaze with milk and cream while stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheese and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

4. 4.

   Layer the asparagus in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over it and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 30 minutes until golden brown.