ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOM SALAD

Steps:

• Pomegranate Vinaigrette.
• Whisk the pomegranate molasses, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and salt in a medium bowl to blend.
• Gradually whisk in the oil.
• Season the dressing to taste with more salt and black pepper.
• SALAD.
• Cut the asparagus crosswise in half, then cut each piece lengthwise in half.
• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook just until it turns bright green, about 30 seconds.
• Immediately transfer the asparagus to a large bowl of ice water to stop cooking process. Let stand until cold.
• Drain the asparagus and pat completely dry.
• Roast the red and yellow bell peppers over a gas flame until lightly charred all over, about 10 minutes.
• Enclose the peppers in a plastic bag until cool enough to handle.
• Peel, seed and slice the peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
• Pat the peppers dry to remove any excess liquid.
• Melt the butter and oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and sauté until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates and the mushrooms and garlic are golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the mushrooms to a large bowl and cool to room temperature.
• Add the cooked asparagus, roasted peppers, onion, and tomatoes to the mushrooms.
• Cover and refrigerate until the salad is cold.
• Toss the salad with enough vinaigrette to coat, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Mound the salad on a platter. Sprinkle with the basil and serve.
• NOTE: pomegranate molasses and concentrated pomegranate juice can be found at Middle Eastern markets, most specialty foods stores, and in the ethnic section of some supermarkets. If using Concentrated juice, add a bit of sugar to offset bitterness.