Best A Pilaf Of Asparagus Broad Beans And Mint Recipes

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FAVA BEAN AND ASPARAGUS SALAD



Fava Bean and Asparagus Salad image

Thick-stemmed asparagus is best for this flavorful, intensely green salad; thin asparagus would be a bit wimpy. I weighed the asparagus after breaking off the ends. If you want to make this into a more substantial main dish salad, you can add a can of chickpeas to the mix.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     salads and dressings

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds fava beans, shelled and skinned
1 pound trimmed asparagus, preferably fat spears
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, dill or tarragon
2 tablespoons minced chives
1 to 2 teaspoons lemon zest (to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
Salt to taste
1 small garlic clove, minced or puréed, or 2 tablespoons minced shallots
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
1 ounce Parmesan, shaved
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Steps:

  • Blanch and skin the fava beans and place them in a bowl. Use the blanching water to blanch the asparagus, or steam the asparagus if you prefer. If blanching, bring the water in the pot to a boil, salt generously and add the asparagus spears. Blanch 1 to 4 minutes, depending on how thick the asparagus is; fat spears (recommended) will take up to 4 minutes, but thin ones are ready in 1 minute. You can steam the asparagus over 1 inch boiling water for the same amount of time if you prefer. Transfer the lightly cooked asparagus to a bowl of cold water, then drain and dry on paper towels. Cut into 1-inch lengths. Add to the bowl with the fava beans. Add the herbs, and the chickpeas if using.
  • Combine the lemon zest and juice, vinegar, garlic or shallots, and salt to taste in a bowl. Whisk in the oil and yogurt. Toss with the favas and asparagus. Add the shaved Parmesan, toss again and serve, or allow to marinate for 30 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 507, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 72 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 27 grams, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1168 milligrams, Sugar 29 grams

A PILAF OF ASPARAGUS, BROAD BEANS AND MINT



A Pilaf of Asparagus, Broad Beans and Mint image

A wonderful buttery taste of early summer, useful way to use up the first asparagus and beans and young garden mint. From Nigel Slater's new book Tender. Use the vegetable weights as a guide, use whatever you have.

Provided by lindseylcw

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 20m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup broad bean, podded
12 asparagus spears, the thin ones
120 g basmati rice
50 g butter
3 bay leaves
6 green cardamom pods, crushed
6 black peppercorns
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1/8 teaspoon cumin seed
1/8 teaspoon fresh thyme leave
4 spring onions, thin ones
1/4 teaspoon fresh parsley
2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook the broad beans in salted water for 4 mins, till almost tender, drain.
  • Trim asparagus into short lengths, steam for 3 mins and drain.
  • wash the rice 3 times in cold water, stiring with your hand, cover with warm water, add a tsp salt and set aside for a good hour.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the bay leaves, cardamon, peppercorns,cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin seeds and thyme. Stir in the butter for a minute or two until the fragrance is released.
  • Drain the rice and tip it into the warmed spices, cover with 1 cm depth of water and bring to the boil.Season with salt, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer.
  • Finely slice the spring onions and chop the parsley.
  • After 5 mins remove the lid and gently fold in the asparagus, beans, spring onions and parsley. Replace lid and continue to cook for 5-6 mins, until the rice is tender but still has some bite to it. All the water should have been absorbed, leave with the lid on but the heat off for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove lid, check seasoning, add extra butter if liked and fluff with a fork sprinkle over the mint.
  • Can be served with minted yoghurt if liked.

What is a Pilaf of Asparagus, Broad Beans, and Mint Recipe?

A pilaf of asparagus, broad beans, and mint recipe is a dish that combines different flavors and textures to create a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal. The dish is typically made using rice, asparagus, broad beans, mint, and a variety of spices and herbs. The combination of these ingredients results in a versatile and delicious dish that can be served on its own or as a side dish.

Ingredients:
  • Rice
  • Asparagus
  • Broad beans
  • Mint
  • Vegetable stock
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Lemon
  • Olive oil
Preparation:

The preparation of a pilaf of asparagus, broad beans, and mint recipe involves the following steps:

  1. Start by cooking the rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly and add it to a pot with vegetable stock. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice cook for about 20 minutes until it's tender and fluffy.
  2. Chop the onions and garlic finely. Cut the asparagus into small pieces and remove the outer shells of the broad beans.
  3. Heat some olive oil in a large pan and add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add the asparagus, broad beans, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender, but still firm.
  5. Toast the cumin, coriander, and cinnamon in a small pan. Add them to the pan with the vegetables and stir well.
  6. Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix everything together gently.
  7. Chop the mint leaves finely and add them to the pan. Mix everything together gently.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to taste.
Serving:

A pilaf of asparagus, broad beans, and mint recipe is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to complement other dishes. The dish can also be mixed with other ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to add more flavor and texture. The dish can be garnished with some fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Health Benefits:

A pilaf of asparagus, broad beans, and mint recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Asparagus is a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and folate. Broad beans are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and vitamin C. Mint is a natural digestive aid and can help to soothe stomach discomfort. The dish is also low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those who are looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion:

A pilaf of asparagus, broad beans, and mint recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal or a tasty side dish, this dish is a versatile and easy option. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Asparagus, broad beans, and mint pilaf is a delicious, colorful, and healthy vegetarian dish. This flavorful rice dish is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, and can be served as a main course or a side dish. But before you start making this pilaf, there are some valuable tips that you need to know to make this recipe perfect. In this article, we will discuss some of the tips that will help you make a perfect pilaf of asparagus, broad beans, and mint.

Tips for Preparing Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicate vegetable that requires special care and preparation. Here are some tips for preparing asparagus for your pilaf:
1. Choose Fresh Asparagus
Choosing fresh asparagus is the key to making a perfect pilaf. Fresh asparagus should be bright green in color, with firm stalks and tightly closed tips. Avoid asparagus with yellowed, wilted, or slimy stalks.
2. Wash the Asparagus
Washing asparagus is very important to remove any dirt, sand, or debris from the stalks. Rinse the asparagus under cold running water, and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Trim the Asparagus
Trim the woody ends of the asparagus before cooking. The woody ends of the asparagus are tough and fibrous, and they will not soften when cooked. Use a sharp knife to trim about an inch off the bottom of the stalks.
4. Cut the Asparagus into Equal Pieces
Cut the asparagus into equal pieces to ensure that they cook evenly. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch long pieces for this recipe.

Tips for Preparing Broad Beans

Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. Here are some tips for preparing broad beans for your pilaf:
1. Choose Fresh Broad Beans
Choose fresh broad beans that are green in color, with firm pods that are not wrinkled or yellowed. Avoid broad beans with black spots, which indicate mold or rot.
2. Shell the Broad Beans
Shell the broad beans before cooking. To shell broad beans, slit the pods down the seam with a paring knife, and use your fingers to gently peel the pods open. Then, remove the beans from the pods.
3. Blanch the Broad Beans
Blanch the broad beans in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes to remove the tough outer skins. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Cut the Broad Beans into Halves
Cut the broad beans into halves to ensure that they cook evenly. Cut each broad bean in half lengthwise for this recipe.

Tips for Preparing Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that adds freshness and flavor to this pilaf recipe. Here are some tips for preparing mint for your pilaf:
1. Choose Fresh Mint
Choose fresh mint that is fragrant and green in color. Avoid brown or wilted leaves.
2. Wash the Mint
Wash the mint leaves under cold running water, and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Chop the Mint Finely
Chop the mint finely to release its aroma and flavor. Use a sharp knife to chop the mint leaves finely.

Tips for Making Pilaf

Making pilaf is easy, but there are some tips that can help you make it perfect. Here are some tips for making your pilaf:
1. Use Long-Grain Rice
Use long-grain rice for this recipe. Long-grain rice has an elongated shape, and it stays separate and fluffy when cooked.
2. Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold running water to remove any dirt, starch, or debris. This will prevent the rice from clumping together.
3. Sweat the Onion
Sweat the onion in oil or butter until it becomes translucent. Sweating the onion will release its sweetness and flavor.
4. Use Vegetable Stock
Use vegetable stock instead of water to cook the rice. Vegetable stock adds flavor to the rice and ensures that it's fully cooked.
5. Cook the Pilaf on Low Heat
Cook the pilaf on low heat to prevent it from sticking or burning. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes.
6. Fluff the Rice with a Fork
Fluff the rice with a fork when it's cooked. This will separate the grains of rice and prevent them from clumping together.
7. Add the Vegetables and Mint at the End
Add the cooked asparagus, broad beans, and mint to the rice at the end of the cooking process. This will prevent the vegetables from getting overcooked and losing their texture and color.

Conclusion

Asparagus, broad beans, and mint pilaf is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that you can make easily. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your pilaf is perfect every time. Choose fresh ingredients, prepare them properly, and cook the pilaf slowly and gently. Enjoy the delicate flavors and aromas of this flavorful rice dish that's packed with nutrients and goodness.

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