Puree Of Asparagus With Soba Noodles Recipes

PUREE OF ASPARAGUS WITH SOBA NOODLES

Steps:

• Trim the woody ends from the asparagus, peel the bottom halves with a vegetable peeler, and cut into 1-inch lengths. Reserve and set aside the tips.
• Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until golden. Add the broth, celery, potatoes, seasoning, and soy sauce. Bring to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Add the asparagus pieces (except for the reserved tips) and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat.
• With a slotted spoon, transfer the solid ingredients to a food processor. Puree in batches until smooth and stir back into the liquid in the soup pot. Or insert an immersion blender into the soup pot and puree until smooth. Let the soup stand off the heat while doing the finishing steps.
• Break the buckwheat noodles into 1- to- 2-inch lengths. In a separate saucepan, cook them in rapidly simmering water until al dente. Drain and rinse them briefly under cool water, then stir into the soup.
• In the same saucepan, steam the reserved asparagus tips until bright green and tender-crisp, then stir into the soup.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup with enough water to give it a slightly thick consistency. Season with freshly ground pepper and additional soy sauce, if needed. Serve at once, garnishing each serving with the almonds and scallions.
• Per serving:
• Calories: 226
• Total fat: 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Carbohydrate: 37g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 586mg

SOBA SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook asparagus until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon or mesh strainer, transfer asparagus to a colander and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Transfer asparagus to a medium bowl. Return water to a boil; add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque throughout, about 2 minutes. Transfer shrimp to bowl with asparagus. Return water to a boil; add noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain noodles and rinse under cool water.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oil, vinegar, and sugar. Divide noodles among 4 bowls and drizzle with dressing. Top with asparagus and shrimp and sprinkle with scallions and basil.

PURéED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• 1 1/2 pounds trimmed and chopped asparagus and add 1 large peeled and cubed potato in 2 tablespoons butter to soften, about 5 minutes
• Add 5 cups stock or water; boil, cover, lower the heat and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 15 minutes
• Cool slightly, purée, strain and refrigerate
• Garnish: Lemon juice and olive oil.