Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

Photo of salad with asparagus from Carly Jayne from Unsplash

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of our minty pea soup, a perfect blend of vibrant green peas and aromatic mint. Each spoonful is a celebration of spring’s bounty, with the sweetness of peas perfectly complemented by the cool freshness of mint. Whether enjoyed as a light starter or a comforting meal, this soup offers a delightful burst of flavor that will leave you feeling nourished and invigorated.

Photo of salad with asparagus from Carly Jayne from Unsplash

Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

Bon Appetit
Savor the vibrant flavors of spring with a refreshing Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad, bursting with seasonal goodness. This crisp and verdant salad combines tender asparagus spears, sweet peas, and creamy fava beans, tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that celebrates the freshness of the season.
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Course Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp finely grated Pecorino or Parmesan
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or more
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups fresh fava beans (from about 2 lb pods) or frozen fava beans, thawed
  • 2 bunches asparagus trimmed, stalks peeled if thick
  • 1 cup shelled fresh peas (from about 1 lb pods) or frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 shallot thinly sliced
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Whisk olive oil, Pecorino, and 1 Tbsp lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Set dressing aside.
  • If using fresh fava beans, cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water (do not cook frozen beans). Drain and peel; place in a large bowl.
  • Return water in saucepan to a boil; add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to colander in ice water.
  • If using fresh peas, return water in saucepan to a boil; add peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes (do not cook frozen peas). Drain; transfer to colander in ice water. Drain vegetables. Add to bowl with fava beans.
  • Combine vegetable oil and shallot in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is golden brown and crispy, 10-12 minutes. Transfer shallot to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add dressing to bowl with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Transfer salad to a serving platter and top with shallot and bacon.

Notes

Note: Dressing and vegetables can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.
This recipe was originally published in the April 2013 issue of Bon Appetit.
This favorite recipe was contributed by a Backyard Eats client! She encourages home cooks to substitute ingredients as needed based their lifestyle or what's growing fresh in their garden.

Asparagus Risotto

Photo of asparagus risotto from Katrin Morenz from Wikimedia Commons

Asparagus risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant taste of asparagus in a comforting way. With a handful of ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can create a delightful risotto that is both satisfying and indulgent. The tender asparagus spears, combined with the creamy Arborio rice, create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, asparagus risotto offers a delightful balance of earthy asparagus and creamy rice, resulting in a luxurious dish that will please your taste buds. Embrace the process of making this risotto and savor its deliciousness with every luscious spoonful.

Photo of asparagus risotto from Katrin Morenz from Wikimedia Commons

Asparagus Risotto

Love and Lemons
Asparagus risotto offers a delightful balance of earthy asparagus and creamy rice, resulting in a luxurious dish that will please your taste buds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped leeks
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice (rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (room temperature)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (tough ends trimmed, stalks chopped into small pieces)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp chopped chives
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, tarragon, and/or dill, plus more for garnish)
  • Lemon zest (for garnish)
  • Grated pecorino cheese (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and season with the salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until soft. Add the garlic and stir to incorporate. Stir in the rice and let it cook for 1 minute. Stir in the wine and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the wine cooks down.
  • Add the broth, ¾ cup at a time, stirring continuously between each addition. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed by the rice before adding the next. Add the asparagus with the last addition of the broth. Cook until the rice is al dente. The risotto should be soft and creamy.
  • Add the lemon juice, chives, and mixed herbs and season to taste. Garnish with the lemon zest and more herbs. Serve with grated cheese, if desired.

Notes

This recipe came from the Love and Lemons blog.