Nepali Asparagus Salad Saandheko Kurelo Recipes

RAW ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH WALNUTS & PARMESAN

Steps:

• Place day-old bread in the food processor and whiz until fine. Measure out 1.5 to 2 cups of crumbs. Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the crumbs and the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crumbs are golden brown. This could take 5 to 15 minutes (or longer) depending on your heat level. If you have the time, go slowly to prevent burning. When the crumbs are nice and golden, turn off the heat. Let cool briefly. Taste. Add more salt if necessary. Measure out 1/3 cup of the crumbs - this is the amount the original recipe calls for. You can use more if you wish.
• Place the walnuts in a medium skillet. Set the skillet over low heat. Allow the walnuts to toast slowly while you prepare the salad. Remove them from the heat when they smell and look toasty. You can chop them on a cutting board or by gently crushing them in a tea towel.
• Using a sharp knife, slice the asparagus thinly on the bias.
• In a large bowl, combine the toasted walnuts, the 1/3 cup (or more!) toasted bread crumbs, the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, the crushed red pepper flakes (starting with 1/4 teaspoon if you are sensitive to heat), salt and pepper to taste, and the zest of the lemon. Stir to combine. Add the asparagus and toss to combine. "Taste and dial in the flavors by adding more salt, black pepper, chile flakes, or lemon juice. When the flavors are bright and delicious, add the mint (if using) and 1/4 cup olive oil." Toss to combine. Taste and adjust the flavors again if necessary.
• Transfer to a serving platter. Crack more pepper over top if you wish.

NEPALI ASPARAGUS SALAD (SAANDHEKO KURELO)

Steps:

• Bring a medium sized pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes (Do not overcook). Drain immediately in a colander and run cold water over it. Place in a medium bowl and set aside.
• Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Add to the asparagus and toss gently. Taste and add more salt and/or lemon juice if needed. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Serve room temperature, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

LEMONY ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH SHAVED CHEESE AND NUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, spread pistachios in an even layer and toast for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool enough to handle, then roughly chop.
• Meanwhile, fill a large skillet with 1-inch water. Place steam basket on top, cover and bring to a simmer. Steam asparagus until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.
• Finely chop 3 tablespoons mixed soft herbs. In a medium bowl, combine shallot, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and the pepper, and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk in oil, then stir in pistachios, cheese and chopped herbs.
• To serve, drizzle asparagus with oil and salt to taste. Dollop with dressing, tear remaining 1/2 cup herbs on top, and sprinkle generously with more cheese. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

SHAVED ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH GINGER AND SESAME

Steps:

• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together rice vinegar, ginger, garlic and brown sugar. Add jalapeño and sesame oil, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Snap or cut off the tough bottoms of each asparagus spear. With a vegetable peeler, peel each tough-skinned spear, starting halfway down from tip and peeling toward bottom end.
• Cut the asparagus at a long diagonal into very thin slices (not paper thin - about the width of a thinly sliced onion). Place asparagus slices in a wide salad bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss lightly. Add the ginger dressing and toss to coat well. Taste and adjust. Add scallions and lime juice and toss again.
• Garnish with mint leaves and cilantro sprigs. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

SHAVED ASPARAGUS AND RADISH SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and anchovy. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
• Snap off and discard the tough end of each asparagus spear. Using a sharp knife, slice asparagus lengthwise into ribbons. For skinny asparagus, just halve lengthwise.
• Place sliced asparagus in a large salad bowl. Toss with salt and pepper, then add the dressing and toss to coat.
• For each serving, place a handful of dressed asparagus on a plate. Surround with slices of colorful radish, and tuck a few more slices among the asparagus ribbons. Sprinkle radishes lightly with salt.