Asparagus

It's also good as an appetizer. Individual stalks wrapped in pancetta and broiled.

 

4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
1 bunch fresh asparagus, tough ends removed
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 pound penne pasta, cooked
Seasoning, recipe follows


Remove stems from portobello mushrooms.
Brush mushrooms, asparagus and tomatoes with olive oil. Grill mushrooms over medium heat until tender, 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Cut mushrooms into thin strips; place in a medium bowl.

Grill asparagus over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally. Cut asparagus into 2 inch lengths; add to mushrooms in bowl.

Grill tomatoes, cut side down, over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add to mushrooms and asparagus and toss in the pasta. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoning, tossing gently to coat.



Seasoning:
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes


Combine all ingredients in a bowl and transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place up to 6 months.

 

Asparagus-Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan

Prep Time: 15 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 15 min Level:
Easy Serves:
4 servings 2 teaspoons olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons pre-minced garlic)
8 cups sliced wild mushrooms (any combination of shiitake, cremini, oyster, etc).
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups cooked Arborio rice
1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen asparagus spears (1-inch pieces)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and ground black pepper


Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms and saute 5 minutes, until tender and releasing juice. Add thyme and cook 1 minute, until fragrant. Using a slotted spoon, remove 1 cup of sauteed mushrooms and reserve for Wild Mushroom Turnovers with Romano Cheese.
To the mushrooms in the pot, add rice and broth and asparagus and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 minutes, Stir in Parmesan and chopped parsley. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Ladle risotto into bowls and serve hot.

Serving suggestions: Toss cherry tomatoes with bottled Caesar dressing and serve alongside risotto.

 

Grilled Asparagus with Green Peppercorn Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 6 min Level:
Easy Serves: 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons green peppercorns in brine, drained
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons canola oil


Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified and stir in the peppercorns. Let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Vinaigrette can be made up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerated.
Heat the grill to high.

Toss asparagus with the canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Place grilled asparagus on a platter and drizzle the vinaigrette over the top.

 

Penne with Asparagus and Peppers

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 20 min Level:
Easy Serves:
6 servings 1 (9-ounce) package frozen cut asparagus
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup frozen chopped onion
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/2 cup roasted red pepper, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/2 cup roasted yellow pepper, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
12 ounces penne pasta, cooked per package directions
1/4 cup grated Parmesan


In a large skillet, combine asparagus, stock, onions, garlic, peppers, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil and reduce liquid to 1/4 cup, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese. Toss with hot, cooked pasta. Top with cheese and serve hot.

 

Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: 0 min Cook Time: 15 min Level:
Easy Serves:
3 to 4 servings 8 or 9 asparagus spears, depending on size
1/2 (16-ounce) package frozen phyllo dough sheets, thawed
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan


Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Unwrap the phyllo and cut the stack in half lengthwise. Reserve 1 stack for later use. Cover the phyllo with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. Take 1 sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with some melted butter. Sprinkle with some Parmesan. Place 2 to 3 asparagus spears on the short end of the sheet. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Place each piece, seam side down, on a baking sheet. Brush with more melted butter and sprinkle with more Parmesan. Repeat until all the asparagus spears are used up. Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

 

TEMPURA

 

I love asparagus .

Lightly fried in a bit of butter and just eaten right out of the pan.

Or with cheese sauce.

Or in a bacon and egg pie (I made one just the other day and banged in some asparagus and it was beautiful) .

Or microwaved - just slightly (to remove the rawness), cooled - and made into asparagus rolls with cream cheese, and a bit of salt.

 

YES!

Anything with tempura is good though. The perfect recipe - a type of batter and hot oil .

 

slice asparagus length-wise, and hollow that shit out. stuff with a mixture of breadcrumbs, creamcheese and toasted pine nuts, then put the two pieces back together, securing each asparagus shute with butcher's twine. dredge in flour, dip in batter and deep fry in simple sugar for 30 minutes or until burnt black. serve with Cracker Jack, calimari wedges and cheeze-whiz.