Green Asparagus Starter

Nothing goes to waste when preparing asparagus. Whether white or green, the woody bottoms and tender upper stalks can both make wonderful starters. It doesn't require much effort—just a few condiments, some good stock, and a splash of heavy cream, more or less to your taste. Add a garnish - Done!

Green Asparagus Starter

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: French

Keyword: greens, shots

Difficulty: easy

Prep Time: 35

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 50

Servings:

Calories: 75kcal

Cost: $6

The ultimate outdoor lunch starter

Equipment

1 High powered blender
2 Baking trays
1 Sautoir or skillet
1 Saucepan
1 Tall container to pass the liquid
1 Wooden spoon
1 Rubber spatula
1 chinois
1 Ladle
1 Slotted spoon
16 Serving cups

Ingredients

RECIPE COMING SHORTLY!

Green Asparagus Mixture

950 g Blanched asparagus bottoms
40 g Butter
70 g Shallots chopped
1 each Bay leaf
1 each Thyme sprig
150 g Chicken stock
250 g Heavy cream
50 g Cooked potatoes

Garnishing

100 g Blanched asparagus tops chopped and seasoned
30 g Extra virgin olive oil
50 g Smoked pancetta or prosciutto thinly sliced

Instructions

Prosciutto Chips

Cook prosciutto slices sandwiched in 2 baking trays and parchment for 20 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC until golden crispy. Keep chips in a dry place sealed in a deli container.

Asparagus Mixture

In the sauté pan, sweat the chopped shallots and herbs in the fat for 5 minutes on medium heat.
Add the blanched asparagus to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add the stock and cream, bring to a boil.
Cover with the lid or microwave plastic wrap, and cook for 20 minutes until fork-tender. Turn off the heat. Discard the herbs.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl along with the cooked potato, and blend well.
Pass the liquid through a chinois, pressing down with a ladle to extract as much green nectar as possible. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Fill the serving cups (approximately 3 tablespoons / 50 grams per serving).
Add a drizzle of olive oil and about ½ teaspoon of chopped asparagus tops.
Serve the green asparagus starter with a piece of prosciutto chip. Enjoy!