Making The Most of Asparagus

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In a covered saucepan, using a vegetable steamer (or using a small amount of simmering water), steam the potatoes until a fork can be inserted—about 15 minutes. Remove and place potatoes in a bowl with the red pepper and onion, then toss. Steam the asparagus the same way for a few minutes just until tender. Rinse immediately under colder water briefly to stop them from cooking further. Toss into the salad with the parsley and enough vinaigrette (recipe follows) to coat the vegetables. Chill or serve at room temperature.

Asparagus Vinaigrette

1 large clove garlic, peeled and smashed
2 small shallots, peeled (optional)
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill weed (optional)

Mix well in blender.

Smoked Tomato Sauce

Try using this low-fat sauce instead of hollandaise sauce to serve over hot asparagus. This dish can be served at room temperature as a salad, but make sure that you slightly undercook the asparagus because it will continue to cook as it cools.

2 large fresh ripe tomatoes (or 5-6 Italian plum tomatoes)
1 teaspoon mild oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon thyme
dash of salt
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and steamed

Using a long fork or knife, roast the tomatoes one at a time directly over a high gas flame until the skin becomes charred in spots, blistered, and loose. Insert a knife into the core of the tomatoes, one at a time, and roast them over a high gas flame. Cool a few minutes, then peel off the skin, core, and finely chop. Sauté the garlic and pepper in oil on medium-high heat briefly while stirring. Add the tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients. Stir and turn off the heat so that the sauce cooks for not even 30 seconds. Steam the asparagus and serve it topped with a few spoonfuls of sauce.

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