Asparagus Gratin with Tomatoes
INGREDIENTS
- 1.5 pounds asparagus
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 tbs. Olive oil
- 8-10 vine-ripe tomatoes, peeled, or canned whole tomatoes
- Salt
- 2 tbs. pesto or finely chopped basil
- 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Regianno Parmesan
Preheat oven to 450 degrees or preheat broiler. Trim asparagus if necessary. Leave the tip ends whole and as long as possible. Blanch asparagus and drain, then arrange in a single layer in a gratin (shallow, wide) dish.
Heat the garlic in a sauté pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When it just begins to brown, add the tomatoes and salt. Cook over medium-high heat till it becomes somewhat concentrated, about 6 minutes. Pour over the asparagus and dot the top with the pesto or basil.
Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle over the top. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
Bake or broil for about 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown in spots. Serve hot or at room temperature.