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Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Sformato

Consider this elegant yet homey Italian egg dish a cross between a souffle, flan, and frittata. Here, asparagus and tomatoes add contrasting flavor and make the top beautifully inviting. Many versions use a bechamel and are baked in a mold, but I find the ricotta versions more accessible and baking it in a dish means less fuss, plus it’s pretty to showcase some of the vegetables on top. But the best part is the delicate, creamy, and fluffy texture with gentle asparagus and tomato flavor. A winning side, main, or brunch dish that is gluten-free and Passover-friendly. Best served warm.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizers, Breakfast and Brunch, Main Dishes, Side Dishes
Cuisine: Italian, Jewish-Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch thin asparagus spears,cut into 2-inch pieces
  • About ½ pint of grape tomatoes, 10 to 12 tomatoes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1½ cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided among filling and topping as well as coating for the baking dish
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature, separated
  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta (such as Bel Gioioso), drained of excess liquid, set out at room temperature about 20 minutes before using
  • ½ cup sour cream, set out at room temperature about 20 minutes before using
  • 1 teaspoon potato starch

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Keeping them separate on the baking sheet, toss the asparagus and tomatoes in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until asparagus is tender and lightly brown. Remove the asparagus, and set aside. Sprinkle the tomatoes with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if using, and continue roasting them until collapsed and lightly browned, about 15 more minutes. Remove and set aside, also reserving any flavorful oil from the tomatoes.
  3. Set aside 12 to 14 asparagus tips for topping. Transfer the remaining asparagus to a blender or small food processor and puree until mostly smooth.
  4. Coat a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with olive oil, then dust it with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks about 30 seconds, then stir in the ricotta, sour cream, 1 cup of the Parmigiano, asparagus puree, and salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites and 1 teaspoon of potato starch until stiff.
  7. Gently fold the egg whites into the ricotta mixture until just a few white streaks remain. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Top with reserved asparagus tips and tomatoes, drizzling a few drops of any oil from the tomatoes onto the top, and sprinkle with more freshly ground black pepper and remaining Parmigiano.
  8. Bake until top is golden brown and the custard has set, 20 to 30 minutes (about 180 to 185°F). Remove and let rest about 15 minutes before serving warm.