A Pilaf Of Asparagus Broad Beans And Mint Food

BARLEY AND ASPARAGUS PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the oil and saute the onion and garlic until translucent and soft. Add the barley and stir together so the barley gets coated with oil and begins to toast.
• Reduce the heat and slowly add the vegetable stock a little at a time to the toasted barley. Stir constantly until all the liquid you've added has evaporated, then add more. Continue to do this until all the stock has been used. Reduce the heat to low and add the asparagus. Simmer until the asparagus is cooked, normally around 8 minutes. Cook's Note: Alternatively, you could blanch the asparagus first in boiling water, prior to adding it to the cooked barley. This will save you time if you're in a hurry.
• Stir in the cream, cheese and butter and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the chopped basil before serving.

A PILAF OF ASPARAGUS, BROAD BEANS AND MINT

Steps:

• Cook the broad beans in salted water for 4 mins, till almost tender, drain.
• Trim asparagus into short lengths, steam for 3 mins and drain.
• wash the rice 3 times in cold water, stiring with your hand, cover with warm water, add a tsp salt and set aside for a good hour.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the bay leaves, cardamon, peppercorns,cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin seeds and thyme. Stir in the butter for a minute or two until the fragrance is released.
• Drain the rice and tip it into the warmed spices, cover with 1 cm depth of water and bring to the boil.Season with salt, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer.
• Finely slice the spring onions and chop the parsley.
• After 5 mins remove the lid and gently fold in the asparagus, beans, spring onions and parsley. Replace lid and continue to cook for 5-6 mins, until the rice is tender but still has some bite to it. All the water should have been absorbed, leave with the lid on but the heat off for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove lid, check seasoning, add extra butter if liked and fluff with a fork sprinkle over the mint.
• Can be served with minted yoghurt if liked.

ASPARAGUS PILAF RICE

Steps:

• In a casserole, heat oil at medium heat. Add onion and tarragon, and cook, stirring from time to time, for about 3 minutes or until onion has soften. Add rice and stir.
• Add vegetable stock, water and salt. Reduce to low heat, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Add asparagus, cover and keep cooking for about 10 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has absorbed. Add lemon juice and pepper and stir with a fork.

ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Increase heat to medium, and stir in spaghetti, cooking until coated with the melted butter and lightly browned.
• Stir onion and garlic into the saucepan, and cook about 2 minutes, until tender.
• Stir in jasmine rice, and cook about 5 minutes.
• Pour in vegetable broth.
• Season mixture with salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and cook 20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
• Place asparagus in a separate medium saucepan with enough water to cover.
• Bring to a boil, and cook until tender but firm.
• Mix asparagus and cashew halves into the rice mixture, and serve warm.

BROAD BEAN & CHICKEN PILAF

Steps:

• Rinse the rice thoroughly, then leave to drain until needed. Melt half of the butter with the oil in a large pan or paella pan and fry the onion gently, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes until translucent, without browning.
• Now add the garlic and spices and stir fry for about 30 seconds, then add the chicken. Stir fry lightly for a few minutes on a high heat until the chicken loses its glassy look and is tinged brown (if you're using chicken thighs, stir fry for 5 minutes more). Tip the drained rice into the pan, and stir fry for a final 30 seconds, until the rice is coated with the juices in the pan.
• Pour in the stock and stir in the beans. Season generously with salt and pepper and bring to the boil, then put the lid on tightly and turn the heat down as low as it will go (use a diffuser mat if you have one). Leave to simmer for 10-12 minutes, without stirring, until the stock is absorbed and the rice and chicken are tender. Check now and then towards the end of cooking, to make sure the rice hasn't boiled dry. Stir in the dill and the remaining butter just before serving.

BROAD BEAN AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Blanch asparagus by droppping spears into boiling, salted water for 1 minute. Remove with tongs and refresh under cold running water.
• Add broad beans to boiling water, cook for 2 minutes, drain and refresh. Remove and slip of skins.
• Add peas to boiling water, cook for 2 minutes, drain and refresh under cold water and drain again.
• Pat asparagus, broad beans and peas dry with paper towel and arrange on a serving platter.
• Combine balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a jar. Season with salt and pepper and shage well.
• Toss dressing over salad and mix through basil, mint and rocket. Top with parmesan cheese to serve.

PEA, ASPARAGUS, AND FAVA BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk olive oil, Pecorino, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Set dressing aside.
• If using fresh fava beans, cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water (do not cook frozen beans). Drain and peel; place in a large bowl.
• Return water in saucepan to a boil; add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to colander in ice water.
• If using fresh peas, return water in saucepan to a boil; add peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes (do not cook frozen peas). Drain; transfer to colander in ice water. Drain vegetables. Add to bowl with fava beans.
• Combine vegetable oil and shallot in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is golden brown and crisp, 10-12 minutes. Transfer shallot to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Add dressing to bowl with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Transfer salad to a serving platter and top with shallot and bacon.
• DO AHEAD: Dressing and vegetables can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.

LEBANESE STYLE FAVA BEAN PILAF

Steps:

• On a cutting board, mash the garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt together with the side of a knife until a paste forms. Place in a small bowl with the lemon juice and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan, then add the onions and sauté until they soften.
• Add the ground chicken and cook on high, breaking up the meat, until the juices start to run out. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and the allspice.
• Add the rice, squash, beans, and hot stock. Lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat.
• Remove the cover and add the garlic and lemon mixture, stirring to combine.
• Cover and let rest for another 5 minutes.
• Place the rice in a serving dish, sprinkle with the cilantro, and serve immediately.