How to Make Chef John's Asparagus Souffle - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're anything like me, you probably find yourself searching for new and exciting ways to prepare vegetables. And when it comes to a vegetable as versatile and delicious as asparagus, the possibilities are endless. That's why I'm so excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite asparagus recipes: Chef John's Asparagus Souffle.

This dish is a delicious and impressive way to showcase the delicate flavors of asparagus. The light and airy texture of the souffle, paired with th...

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Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • ½ clove garlic, minced
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • ½ cup grated sharp white Cheddar cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 individual souffles

  • Cook asparagus in a saucepan of boiling water until bright green but still crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer asparagus to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  • Whisk milk into butter-flour mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper.
  • Place milk mixture, garlic, and asparagus in a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Pour asparagus mixture into a large bowl; stir in egg yolks and Cheddar cheese.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
  • Generously butter 4 (6-ounce) ramekins
  • Beat egg whites in a large glass or metal mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites will form soft mounds rather than a sharp peak
  • Stir half of egg whites into asparagus cheese mixture until just combined. Gently fold remaining egg whites into mixture.
  • Fill prepared ramekins about 3/4 full and place on a baking sheet; bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes
  • Nutrition

    239 cal.

    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 199mg
    • Sodium: 658mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 11g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 14g
    • Vitamin C: 7mg
    • Calcium: 227mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 402mg