PAN-FRIED ASPARAGUS WITH NEW-SEASON MORELS

PAN-FRIED ASPARAGUS WITH NEW-SEASON MORELS image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound asparagus, trimmed by snapping off the tough ends
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound fresh morels, rinsed in cold water and drained on paper towels
3 crushed garlic cloves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the asparagus. Blanch for 1 minute, then drain well. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pan, add the asparagus and saute until lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the asparagus from the pan and keep warm. Heat the remaining oil and butter in the pan, add the morels and saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute briefly. Stir in the parsley and balsamic vinegar. Season well, then pour the morels over the asparagus and serve immediately.