Gratin of asparagus with cheese & poached eggs

Asparagus. Again. Of course!

This recipe is from Delia online and very tasty it is!

Serves: 4 persons (starter) or 2 persons (main).

Ingredients:

• 450g asparagus, stalks removed
• 4 eggs
• 25g butter
• 25g plain flour
• 225ml milk
• 50g gruyère cheese, grated
• parmesan to taste, grated
• paprika to taste (the recipe called for cayenne)
• salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1. Steam the asparagus for 4-6 min and add them to a gratin dish in 4 even-size bundles.
   
   
   
2. Poach the eggs and add one on top of each asparagus bunches. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
   
   
   
3. Make the cheese sauce:
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, stir in the flour until smooth and then gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth sauce. 
2. Add the gruyère and whisk until melted.
3. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
4. Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus and eggs.
   
   
   
5. Sprinkle with parmesan and paprika to taste.
   
   
   
6. Place the dish under the grill and let it brown very quickly, a minute or so.
   
   
   
7. Serve immediately.