Basil Coulis Food

BASIL COULIS

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Process in short pulses until smooth. Taste and add a little more sugar if desired, but the coulis shouldn't be too sweet. Pour into an airtight container and chill for up to a day, or freeze.

RED PEPPER COULIS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sweet red peppers and garlic and saute for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix in the vinegar and sugar.
• Add the red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for 15 more minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes and basil; simmer for 10 more minutes.
• Serve hot.

ASPARAGUS WITH TOMATO BASIL COULIS

Steps:

• In a skillet, saute the shallots and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about two minutes or so.
• Quarter 3 of the tomatoes and add to the saute pan along with the juice, parsley and basil.
• Season to taste and cook for about five minutes or until heated through.
• Whirl in food processor or blender.
• Pour wine into saute pan and stir over medium heat to deglaze.
• Add this liquid to the blender and whirl.
• Add the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil slowly and process for two minutes.
• In a large saute pan, saute the asparagus in butter until tender crisp.
• To serve, cover the bottom of four salad plates with pureed mixture; arrange five asparagus in a fan shape over the top.
• Mince the remaining tomatoes and arrange equal portions at the base of the asparagus.
• Garnish as desired with chives, scallions and basil leaves.