Introduction: Cheesy Asparagus Pi(e)
Intro:
For Pi Day, I created this delicious, yet so easy-to-make, savory pie! With just a few ingredients, this crustless quiche-type pie is loaded with flavor. The sharp cheddar cheese complements the abundance of fresh asparagus in each bite which simply screams SPRING! I have served this as a stand-alone dish for brunch and have also served it alongside bacon, sausage, and ham. It is also great to serve with steaming bowls of tomato soup for a hearty lunch or as an appetizer or side dish for dinner. Whenever and wherever I serve it, it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it is equally good reheated the second day. Did I mention that three asparagus stalks create the perfect Pi symbol on top? Here you go………...
Ingredients:
No-stick cooking spray
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup chopped white onion
1 lb. fresh asparagus, woody ends well-trimmed
6 oz. grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2/3 cup buttermilk biscuit/baking mix
Supplies
10-inch pie plate
10-inch cast iron skillet (or other skillet)
Large slotted spoon
Paring knife
Cutting board
Cheese grater (if cheese is in a block)
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Whisk
Ladle
Step 1: Prepare Pie Plate
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook Onion
In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Dice onion then add to butter. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Step 3: Prepare and Cook Asparagus
While onion is cooking, on cutting board, cut asparagus into ½-inch pieces except reserve three 4 1/2-inch top-of-stalk pieces that will be used to make the pi symbol for top of pie. (One of the stalks I had had a slight curl at the top, which was perfect for the vertical right-side of the pi symbol.) Add ½-inch and 4 1/2-inch asparagus pieces to onion in skillet. Cook for 4 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Layer Asparagus Mixture and Cheese
Spread asparagus mixture evenly in sprayed pie plate, reserving the three 4 ½-inch pieces for top of pie. Sprinkle cheese evenly over asparagus.
Step 5: Prepare Milk Mixture
Pour milk into a medium mixing bowl. Add eggs. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until eggs are beaten and mixture is evenly combined. Gradually whisk in biscuit/baking mix. Whisk for 1 minute. If there are still a few very small lumps, that is fine.
Step 6: Add Milk Mixture
Use ladle to spoon milk mixture evenly over cheese.
Step 7: Arrange Asparagus Stalks on Top
Arrange the three asparagus stalks to form the pi symbol carefully on top of pie as shown.
Step 8: Bake Pie
Place on center rack in oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean and edge of top just begins to brown. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Serves 6. Enjoy!
Happy Pi Day!
Step 9: Notes:
This pie is very versatile – snipped fresh herbs, dried Italian seasoning, or even taco seasoning may be added to the milk mixture. 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, rotisserie chicken, or diced ham may also be added on top of cheese before ladling milk mixture.
