Asparagus is springing up! And though a lot of people have the perception that the skinny asparagus is preferable — wrong! The fatties are much better in flavor. The first is coming on the market right now from California.
Tasty asparagus has been a mainstay at fine restaurants forever. You see it on almost every grand steakhouse’s menu as a side dish — slathered in hollandaise. And, really, who doesn’t love that little splurge!
An equally delicious way to serve up this local short-season wonder is in a scrumptious A.M. dish just perfect for Easter morning brunch — Asparagus, Shrimp & Boursin Breakfast Scramble. This medley of flavors melds beautifully — the garlicky herby Boursin giving it its final yum factor.
Another popular way to prepare fresh asparagus is grilled on a BBQ and served with a great dip. Hot off the grill, warm or even chilled, the grill adds a nice smoky character to the “grass.
But alas, no hollandaise or boursin cheese for me. I have been on a low fat eating plan for the last 6 months –so last night I made a very flavorful and low cal saute. First I cooked sliced sweet onion with shitake mushrooms for a few minutes in a non-stick pan and then added fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and broken in half. I added some fresh garlic and about 1/2 a cup of some brewed red chai tea and a splash of tamari. Then covered the pan for about a minute to get the asparagus steaming. I then removed the lid and continued to cook till the asparagus was tender and the tea was reduced. Yum!
So get your spring on with some fresh asparagus!
Asparagus, Shrimp & Boursin Breakfast Scramble
Makes about 4 servings
8 eggs
2 tablespoons water
salt & pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup bias-cut fresh asparagus
4 oz. wt. (1/2 cup) bay shrimp, drained well (you can also use crab meat)
1/2 cup Boursin cheese (garlic and herb)
chopped parsley for garnish if desiredIn a large bowl whisk together the eggs and water until very foamy; season as desired with salt and pepper and set aside.
In a large, non-stick skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring often, until barely tender, about 2 minutes.Add in the egg mixture and move the eggs around the pan with a spoon or spatula, turning them as necessary until they are three-quarters cooked, about 1 – 2 minutes, and have just started to thicken.
At this point add the shrimp. Fold into eggs, heat through and serve immediately. Dollop 2 tablespoons of Boursin on top of each serving and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Copyright 2000 by Kathy Casey
