Zesty Paprika Asparagus Food

ZESTY MARINATED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch asparagus just until tender, about 1 minute. Plunge into a bowl of cold water to cool. Drain asparagus and place in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in vinaigrette and seal bag. Refrigerate at least 3 hours, turning bag occasionally.
• Just before serving, drain asparagus, reserving vinaigrette. Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve reserved vinaigrette in a small dish on the side.

SPICY ASPARAGUS WITH GARLIC

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch until the asparagus turns a vibrant green, about 1 minute. Transfer asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Remove asparagus from the ice bath, drain, and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, just until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Season with pepper flakes, add asparagus, and quickly toss in the seasoned oil. Heat until asparagus is just crisp-tender, not overly soft, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Stir in olives and season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.

PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Trim the cut end of the asparagus spears, and cut them into 3 inch lengths. Place them in a large bowl with 1/3 cup salt, and cover with water. Let stand for 2 hours. Drain and rinse under cool water, and pat dry.
• Sterilize two pint size wide mouth jars in simmering water for 5 minutes.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, mustard seed, dill seed and onion rings. Bring to a boil, and boil for one minute.
• Pack the asparagus spears, tips up, in the hot jars leaving 1/2 of space from the rim. Tuck one dill sprig into each jar, and sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Pour hot pickling liquid into the jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the rim. Wipe rims with a clean damp cloth, and seal with lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
• Cool to room temperature. Check seals when cool by pressing the center of the lid. It should not move. Label and date; store in a cool dark place. If any jars have not sealed properly, refrigerate and eat within two weeks.

ZESTY PAPRIKA ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Mix horseradish, dijon mustard and paprika into a paste. Set aside. Heat olive oil and parsley in a skillet on medium heat. When hot, add asparagus. Saute, with constant attention for five minutes. Pour off remaining oil, turn heat to low. Add paste mixture, blend throughout asparagus, and stir. Serve immediately.

SPICY ASPARAGUS & CHORIZO BAKED EGG

Steps:

• Heat a small non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add the asparagus and chorizo and fry for 8 mins. Stir through the paprika, cooking for a further 1 min.
• Stir the spinach into the pan and cook for 5 mins until wilted before stirring through the crème fraîche. Season, then make a well in the middle of the mixture and crack the egg into it. Cover the pan and cook for 5-6 mins or until the egg is just set. Serve with a flatbread, if you like.

ZESTY ASPARAGUS AND WHITE BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Place the asparagus in a steamer basket, set over 1 1/2 inches boiling water, and cover. Steam until the spears are tender yet firm, 4 to 7 minutes depending on thickness. Drain and place in an ice water bath (or under cold water) for a moment to stop the cooking.
• Put the olive oil, lemon juice, fresh mint, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. Drain asparagus.
• Combine the beans, feta, radishes, and scallions in a large bowl. Add the asparagus pieces. Pour on the dressing and gently toss. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

SMOKED PAPRIKA SAUCE FOR ASPARAGUS AND OTHER VEGGIES

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in small saucepan over low heat.
• Add paprika, cumin and garlic and cook 5 minutes.
• Put mayonnaise in small bowl.
• Add the seasoned oil from saucepan, using spatula to get all of it, if necessary.
• Add lime juice and cilantro.
• Whisk to combine.
• Cook asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
• Drain and rinse to stop cooking but do not make cold.
• Pour some of the sauce over the asparagus and serve the rest on the side.