Asparagus Recipies Recepies

Asparagus with Sherry Vinaigrette

• 12 ounces thin asparagus stalks, washed and trimmed
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• Coarse kosher or sea salt to taste
• 2 to 3 drops sesame seed oil
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 hard-cooked egg

Blanch the asparagus in lightly salted boiling water for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; do not overcook. Remove from heat and refresh under cold water; drain well. Arrange asparagus on serving platter or individual serving plates. In a bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, sherry vinegar, white wine vinegar, coarse salt, sesame oil. Whisk in olive oil. Separate the egg yolk from the white. In a bowl, crush to yolk with a folk. Finely chop the egg white with a knife. Spoon the vinaigrette over the asparagus, allowing a little to puddle on either side. Garnish with the egg white and yolk.
Makes 2 servings.

Asparagus and Avocado Wraps

• 24 spears asparagus
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups cooked cold long-grain white rice
• 3 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
• 3 whole wheat tortillas, 10 inches in diameter
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion

In a medium-sized saucepan over high heat, bring 2 inches water to a boil. Place the asparagus in a steamer basket, cover, and steam until just tender, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the asparagus and immediately rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly. In a small bowl, mash the avocado, lime juice, and garlic into a coase puree. In another small bowl, stir together the rice and yogurt to mix well.
Heat a large dry frying pan (not one with a nonstick surface) over medium heat. One at a time, heat the tortillas in the hot pan until softened, approximately 20 seconds per side.

Lay the tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Spread the avocado mixture equally among the tortillas. Top each with an equal amount of the rice mixture, asparagus, cilantro, and onion. Fold in both sides and the bottom of each tortilla up over the filling; then roll to close. If made in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Return to room temperature before serving. To serve, cut each wrap in half crosswise.
Makes 6 servings.