Best Pistachio Crusted Asparagus Recipes

PISTACHIO-CRUSTED HALIBUT WITH ROASTED BROCCOLINI

Steps:

• Place a rimmed baking sheet in the center of the oven and preheat to 450˚ F. Grate the lemon zest and set aside. Cut the lemon into 4 wedges and add to a large bowl along with the broccolini, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Toss to coat. Spread on the hot baking sheet and roast until crisp-tender and charred, flipping halfway through, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pulse the pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the reserved lemon zest, panko, za'atar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; pulse to combine. Transfer to a shallow bowl. Press the halibut fillets in the pistachio mixture, turning to fully coat all sides.
• Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the halibut and cook, turning once, until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
• Season the halibut with salt and divide among plates. Serve with the roasted broccolini and lemon wedges.

PENNE WITH PISTACHIOS, ASPARAGUS, AND CREAM

Steps:

• Cook the asparagus in a stockpot in boiling salted water, uncovered, over medium-high heat until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove the asparagus, saving the water so the pasta can be prepared in the same pot.
• Sauté garlic in butter in a sauté pan over medium heat.
• Meanwhile start cooking the pasta, according to package directions.
• Add the asparagus and pepper.
• Increase heat to high and pour in the wine, stirring for about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium.
• Pour the half and half and the cream over asparagus mixture and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Season with salt.
• When pasta is done, drain and return to pot.
• Combine asparagus sauce with pasta, stirring over medium heat.
• Add cheese, stirring until it melts; transfer to platter.
• Garnish with pistachio nuts and serve immediately.

STEAMED ASPARAGUS WITH PISTACHIOS AND BROWN BUTTER

Steps:

• Put a large wide skillet on the stove. Add about 1 inch water, salt it well, cover the skillet, and place over high heat. When water comes to a rapid boil, add asparagus in one layer, cover, and cook for 2 minutes, or just until barely done.
• Drain asparagus and keep warm loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel.
• Return skillet to stovetop over high heat. Add butter and swirl pan, then add chopped sage and sage leaves.
• When butter gets foamy, lightly browned and nutty-smelling, a minute or two, stir in lemon juice and zest and turn the heat to low.
• Put cooked asparagus back in pan and season with salt and pepper. Shake pan gently to coat with butter sauce. Using tongs, transfer asparagus to a large warmed platter. Spoon remaining sauce over asparagus, sprinkle with pistachios and serve.

ASPARAGUS AND PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
• To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
• Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.