Asparagus Timbale

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with a kitchen towel. Line the brioche pan with plastic wrap.

   Step 2

   Prepare an ice bath; set aside. Bring a medium pot of water to boil, and add salt. Add the asparagus, and cook just until tender and bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus to the ice bath. Drain, and set aside. Add the spinach to the boiling water, and cook 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander to drain; set aside.

   Step 3

   In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and just starting to color, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.

   Step 4

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut the asparagus spears in half crosswise. Slice the bottom ends in half lengthwise, and then cut them crosswise into thin half-moons; set aside. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the asparagus tops, reserved spinach, and onion mixture. Process until very smooth, about 5 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; whisk to combine. Set aside.

   Step 5

   In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the cream until bubbles form around the edges and it starts to steam, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisking constantly, slowly add the cream to the egg mixture. Stir in the reserved sliced asparagus. Pour the custard into the lined brioche pan, and place it in the lined baking pan. Carefully pour the hot water into the baking pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the brioche pan.

   Step 6

   Bake until the center is firm when gently touched with your finger, about 65 minutes. Transfer the brioche pan to a wire rack; let cool 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter, and gently lift the pan to remove. Slice into wedges; serve garnished with greens, if desired.