Roasted Asparagus With Lemon Vinaigrette Courtesy Melissa Dar Food

CLASSIC DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and the vinegar. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Season with salt and pepper.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE --COURTESY MELISSA D'AR

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Wash asparagus well to remove any sand from the tips, break off woody part of stem by holding the stalk at each end and gently bending until it snaps. pat asparagus dry.
• In a large bowl toss asparagus with the olive oil, and liberally season with salt and pepper.
• Spread the stalks out on a baking sheet, in a single layer, and roast until tender but still firm and moist, about 10 minutes. If you are using the really "skinny" stalks, be careful not to over roast them.
• Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette, see Cooks Note:.
• In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the mustard and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking quickly to emulsify the olive oil into the juice mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter, toss with the vinaigrette and serve. The dish may be eaten warm or cold.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a large bowl toss the asparagus in the olive oil, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Spread the stalks out on a baking sheet, in a single layer, and roast until tender but still firm and moist, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the mustard and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking quickly to emulsify the olive oil into the juice mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter, toss with the vinaigrette and serve. The dish may be eaten warm or cold.

LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

ASPARAGUS, LEMON & RICOTTA TART

Steps:

• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a circle roughly 35cm in diameter. Use the rolling pin to pick up the pastry, then drape it over a 27cm deep, loose-bottomed tart tin. Press the pastry into the sides, then prick the base with a fork. Cover with cling film, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Unwrap the tart and line with baking parchment and baking beans. Cook on a baking sheet for 10-15 mins, until just starting to firm up. Beat 1 of the eggs. Remove the beans and baking parchment, then lightly brush the tart all over with the beaten egg. Cook for another 5-10 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp all over, then leave to cool.
• Reduce the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Whisk together the remaining eggs, then pour in the cream and lemon zest and whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pour into a large jug. Pour the cream mixture into the tart case, then arrange the asparagus spears on top. Dollop over teaspoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with the mint, then carefully slide into the oven. Cook for 25-30 mins until the quiche is set with just the faintest wobble in the middle. Leave to cool at least 10 mins before serving either warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with salt flakes.

ROASTED SPRING ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY PANCETTA IN LEMON BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, sugar, pepper and olive oil. Place the asparagus in a large baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the asparagus and toss to coat each stalk. Place the asparagus in the oven and roast for 5-8 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp tender. Remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer to a platter. Drizzle a little vinaigrette over the top of the asparagus and then sprinkle with the crumbled pancetta. Serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS, LEMON & RICOTTA TART

Steps:

• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a circle roughly 35cm in diameter. Use the rolling pin to pick up the pastry, then drape it over a 27cm deep, loose-bottomed tart tin. Press the pastry into the sides, then prick the base with a fork. Cover with cling film, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Unwrap the tart and line with baking parchment and baking beans. Cook on a baking sheet for 10-15 mins, until just starting to firm up. Beat 1 of the eggs. Remove the beans and baking parchment, then lightly brush the tart all over with the beaten egg. Cook for another 5-10 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp all over, then leave to cool.
• Reduce the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Whisk together the remaining eggs, then pour in the cream and lemon zest and whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pour into a large jug. Pour the cream mixture into the tart case, then arrange the asparagus spears on top. Dollop over teaspoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with the mint, then carefully slide into the oven. Cook for 25-30 mins until the quiche is set with just the faintest wobble in the middle. Leave to cool at least 10 mins before serving either warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with salt flakes.