Savory - Potato and Asparagus Strudel by Casandra E. - Recipia
Potato and Asparagus Strudel - A Savory Delicacy for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

The potato and asparagus strudel is a recipe that combines tradition with the freshness of ingredients, resulting in a delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. This recipe is an ideal choice for festive meals or a family dinner on the weekend. Additionally, the strudel can be adapted according to the seasonal vegetables available, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 package of strudel dough (phyllo dough recommended)
- 400g starchy potatoes
- 100g butter (or oil, as preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 onions (1 for filling and 1 for sauce)
- 1 bunch of chives (or green onion tops; if unavailable, parsley leaves work well for a pleasant appearance)
- 500g asparagus (a combination of white and green asparagus provides a more attractive look)
- 4 egg yolks
- 100g grated cheese (preferably Gouda)
- 6-9 thin slices of ham
- 20g flour
- 200ml liquid cream

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the filling: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. In a pan, melt about 30g of butter and add the onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, then set it aside to cool. This step gives the filling a sweet and aromatic taste.

2. Boiling the potatoes: Peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes, and boil them in salted water until soft (about 15-20 minutes). Once boiled, mash them with a fork or a potato masher. Add salt, pepper, the sautéed onion, egg yolks, half of the chives, and the grated cheese. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Preparing the asparagus: Peel the outer skin of the asparagus, being careful to remove any tough fibers. In a large pot, add 3 liters of water, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 10g of butter, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. When the water begins to boil, add the bundles of asparagus: green asparagus cooks for 6 minutes, while white asparagus cooks for 8 minutes. After boiling, remove it and let it drain. Reserve 200ml of the water in which the asparagus was boiled for the sauce.

4. Assembling the strudel: Place the strudel sheets on a clean kitchen towel and brush them with melted butter or oil. On 2/3 of the surface of the sheets, lay the slices of ham, then evenly spread the potato mixture. On top, place the boiled asparagus, trimmed at the ends, which will add extra texture and flavor.

5. Rolling the strudel: Using the kitchen towel, carefully roll the strudel, ensuring that the filling remains well enclosed. Place the strudel on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with butter.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the strudel for 25-30 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy. In the meantime, you can prepare the sauce.

7. Preparing the sauce: In a pan, melt the remaining butter and add the remaining onion. If desired, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to caramelize the onion. Once the onion turns golden, add the flour and stir, allowing it to fry a little. Deglaze with the reserved asparagus juice, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the cream and season to taste. Let the sauce simmer until you achieve a thick consistency, similar to cream.

8. Serving: Serve the strudel warm, alongside the creamy sauce and the asparagus tips you set aside. A side of green salad or a tomato salad with green onions will perfectly complement this dish.

Tips and variations:

- If you don't have fresh asparagus, you can use canned asparagus, but make sure to drain it well before use.
- Instead of asparagus, you can experiment with carrots, parsley, or celery, depending on your preferences.
- This recipe is perfect for doubling. That way, you'll have an extra strudel for later – it keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven.

Nutritional information:
The potato and asparagus strudel is a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from eggs and ham, and vitamins from asparagus. It can contain approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice for a balanced meal, offering a combination of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of cheese? Certainly! You can replace the cheese with mozzarella or feta, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the strudel for reheating later? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and to reheat, bake it at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until it becomes crispy again.
- Can I make the strudel vegetarian? Sure! You can omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.

In conclusion, the potato and asparagus strudel is not only a delicious recipe but also an opportunity to experiment and add your personal touch. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy this wonderful dish with your loved ones!
Savory - Potato and Asparagus Strudel by Casandra E. - Recipia

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