SPRING VEGETABLE FRICASSéE WITH SAFFRON CREAM

Spring Vegetable Fricassée with Saffron Cream image

Provided by Tina Miller

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

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2 cups baby carrots (about 3 bunches) tops removed, scrubbed
1 cup fresh peas or frozen, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 leek, white part only, halved, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon (scant) saffron threads
3/4 cup fresh morel mushrooms
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup vegetable broth
1 1/3 cups whipping cream
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into thirds
4 cups baby spinach leaves (about 3 ounces)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 1-quart baking dish. Cook carrots in large pot of boiling salted water 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer carrots to bowl of ice water to cool. Using slotted spoon, transfer carrots to medium bowl. If using fresh peas, cook in same pan of boiling water 2 minutes; drain and transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Using slotted spoon, transfer peas to small bowl.
Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 1 minute. Add shallots; sauté 1 minute. Add leek and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes longer (do not brown). Stir in saffron. Add carrots, mushrooms, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Add wine and simmer until almost dry, about 3 minutes. Add broth and simmer 4 minutes. Add cream and bring to simmer. Stir in peas, asparagus, and spinach. Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake until edges are bubbling and top begins to brown, about 30 minutes.