Asparagus Gratin With Parmesan

Directions

1. Trim the woody stalks off the asparagus. Fill a tall asparagus pan with water and bring to the boil. Place the asparagus, stalk end down, into the pan and simmer for 10-12 min, depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. The tips of the asparagus must only be submerged for the final 2 min of cooking, otherwise they will overcook and become slimy. Drain.
2. Pre-heat the grill. Place the asparagus in a gratin dish and sprinkle over the lemon juice. Grate 50g (2oz) parmesan cheese on the coarse holes of a cheese grater, and gently stir through the asparagus.
3. Slice the remaining parmesan cheese into fine curls on the blade of a standard cheese grater. Scatter over the asparagus and sprinkle with black pepper. Grill for 4-5 min till the cheese is bubbling and golden. Serve immediately with more freshly grnd black pepper.