A Fresh Take on Asparagus

A quick scan of my recipes from the past few months reveals an asparagus lust I did not know I had. So many! Well, here’s another one, a little different from the rest. This salad features raw asparagus shaved into ribbons adorned with mint leaves, toasted hazelnuts and shaved parmesan. So far so good, right? Right!

The Occasion: First dinner on the patio of the season. It probably wasn’t quite warm enough but we fired up the grill, dragged the chairs out of storage and did it anyway, tempted by an unseasonably balmy day.

What We Served:

• Shaved Asparagus and Mint Salad – from Meatballs&Milkshakes via Food 52
• Grilled Ribeye Steak
• Freshly-baked country bread from Hewn, an awesome bakery in Evanston

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Click on the photos to enlarge them and read the captions. All photos by Ann Johnson or Ilise Goldberg.

Printable Recipe- Shaved Asparagus and Mint Salad
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Shaved Asparagus and Mint Salad
Recipe source: Meatballs&Milkshakes via Food52
 
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends removed

Note: Choose a bunch with thick-ish stems

• 1 handful toasted, crushed hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Parmesan or pecorino cheese shavings

 
DIRECTIONS:

• Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asparagus lengthwise to create strips.
• Toss with the toasted hazelnuts and mint.
• Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and olive oil.
• Pour a couple of tablespoons over asparagus and toss to mix. Add salt and pepper, additional dressing to taste.
• Shave cheese on top.

Serves 4

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The Verdict: The unusual treatment of the asparagus – raw and in ribbons – makes this dish stand out in the best possible ways. The fresh, crisp, greenness of the asparagus and the mint plus the toasty crunch of the hazelnuts and the savory slivers of parmesan cheese – wow! One little caveat: It is much better on Day One than as leftovers.

This would be a great side dish for a medium-fancy dinner party or a ladies lunch. Probably not so much for kids or a busy weeknight.