There aren't too many locally grown vegetables in Minnesota right now, and I can't help but enjoy a few springy treats, especially when they're looking so good!
I try not to be size-ist, but I must admit that I don't like fat asparagus. I like asparagus that's tall and slender and uniform in size. So when I saw this bunch at the co-op, I had no choice but to buy it. Just look at how perfect they are all lined up on my griddle!
Just a few minutes on the griddle and these were bright green and tender.
The asparagus was plenty flavorful, but I added lemongrass oil, fresh dill and oil cured olives. Yum!
Fresh peas are far from being harvested here, but frozen peas are second best. I used Jae Steele's recipe for pea soup and it felt so fresh and healthy! I didn't have pumpkin seed butter, so I just used tahini instead. The soup was creamy and simple and very bright spring green!
Cold grain salads aren't usually something I even consider eating until it's sunny outside and summer is in sight. Wild rice salads are perfect for cool spring weather, though, because they're hearty and light at the same time. I snipped some chives from the garden (basically the only thing usable so far!) and chopped some walnuts, green onions and crasins for this salad. The dressing is just a bit of lemongrass oil and umeboshi plum vinegar- But any vinaigrette would be nice.
This one is great packed in a lunch because the flavors get better the next day.
These spring-y meals have been really delicious, but I really can't wait for the local produce to start coming into the co-op and for my garden to get going. Next time I'll show you what's starting to grow out there. Soon it'll be planting time!
7 comments:
I can't wait for the local produce to start up either! All of your food looks really yummy, and you've reminded me to dig into my wild rice in the cupboard (mmmm).
I've been gorging myself of fresh asparagus! Your combination looks wonderful!
I'm with you on the thin asparagus. It's the best. Looks awesome on your grill, too.
I'm prejuidiced against fat asparagus too. It's too woody!
Happily, due to the magic of hoop house growing, Minneapolis Farmers Market has tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, spinach, radishes, and green onions.
Mmm, that asparagus looks perfect! I'm with you - I can't wait for the farmer's market and my CSA to start up!
Having lived in Germany for a few years, I learned that they value the big, fat white asparagus when it's in season (called Spargel - think I spelled that right). It is quite delicious in my opinion, but I agree that thinner, longer green asparagus is much tastier!
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