Asparagus With Tomatillos Recipes

ASPARAGUS WITH TOMATILLOS

Steps:

• Snap off and discard tough ends of the asparagus, rinse them well.
• In a deep, wide frying pan, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil over high heat, add asparagus and cook, uncovered, until just barely tender when pierced, about 3-5 minutes; drain and immerse in ice water; when cool, drain again, then arrange equal portions on each of 4 salad plates, or arrange all on a serving platter.
• In a bowl, mix oil, tomatillos, and tomato; evenly spoon over asparagus; sprinkle with cheese, garnish with lemon wedges, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve!

SALSA VERDE: GREEN TOMATILLO SALSA

Steps:

• Whether you choose the verdant, slushy, herby freshness of the all-raw tomatillo salsa or the oil-colored, voluptuous, sweet-sour richness of the roasted version, tomatillos are about brightening tang. The buzz of the fresh hot green chile adds thrill, all of which adds up to a condiment most of us simply don't want to live without.
• For the All-Raw version: Roughly chop the tomatillos and the chiles. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, chiles, cilantro and 1/4 cup water. Process to a coarse puree, then scrape into a serving dish. Rinse the onion under cold water, then shake to remove excess moisture. Stir into the salsa and season with salt, usually a generous 1/4 teaspoon.
• For the Roasted version:
• Preheat a broiler.
• Roast the tomatillos and chiles on a baking sheet 4 inches below a very hot broiler until darkly roasted, even blackened in spots, about 5 minutes. Flip them over and roast the other side, 4 to 5 minutes more will give you splotchy-black and blistered tomatillos and chiles. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos and chiles, including all the delicious juice that has run onto the baking sheet. Add the cilantro and 1/4 cup water, blend to a coarse puree, and scrape into a serving dish. Rinse the onion under cold water, then shake to remove the excess moisture. Stir into the salsa and season with salt, usually a generous 1/4 teaspoon.

QUESADILLA WITH GOAT CHEESE, ASPARAGUS, MUSHROOMS AND ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Saute the asparagus, mushrooms and onions, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and some salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Wrap the tomatillos and chiles in aluminum foil and place over an open flame for about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a blender with the garlic clove and 1/3 cup water. Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• Wrap the tortillas in a clean, damp dishcloth and place in the microwave for 2 minutes.
• Fill each tortilla with a little jack cheese and about 1 tablespoon asparagus filling. Fold in half like a taco.
• Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pan-fry the folded quesadillas in batches until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes on each side. Set aside on paper towels to drain any oil.
• Serve each quesadilla with some goat cheese crumbled on top and garnish with fresh cilantro.

ASPARAGUS WITH TOMATOES

Steps:

• Place the asparagus in a large skillet and fill with about 1 inch of water. Cover the pan and set over high heat. When the water comes to a boil, cook for 2 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green and almost tender.
• In a separate skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the tomato to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Add asparagus to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, until hot.