Asparagus With Melon Recipes

ASPARAGUS WITH GRILLED MELON SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Drizzle the melon slices with the olive oil and place in the grill pan. Grill undisturbed until browned on the first side, about 30 seconds. Flip and grill on the reverse side for an additional 30 seconds. Remove to a cutting board to cool slightly, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the grilled melon in a medium bowl, along with the tomatoes, mint, lime juice, chile paste and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix well with a spoon. Set aside to let the flavors mingle.
• Meanwhile, heat 5 tablespoons water in a large skillet over medium heat. When bubbles just start rising to the surface, begin whisking in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to form an emulsion. When all of the butter is incorporated, reduce the heat to medium low to keep the mixture at just below a simmer. Add the thyme and 1/2 teaspoon salt, swirling the pan to combine. Add the asparagus and toss gently to coat. Cover the pan and cook until the asparagus is tender all the way through when pierced with the tip of a knife, 5 minutes.
• Remove the asparagus to a platter and spoon some of the melon salad over the top. Top with a few shavings of ricotta salata if desired. Serve with additional salad on the side.

ASPARAGUS WITH PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• For asparagus, snap off tough ends of spears where they naturally give when bent. Place spears into 1-inch of boiling water. Cover the pan and cook asparagus for 3 or 4 minutes, until spears are just tender but remain bright green in color, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Drain and cold shock the spears in a colander under cool water. Return cooked asparagus to skillet and coat with lemon juice and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
• Remove bundles of several spears at a time from the pan and wrap with sliced prosciutto. Pile assembled bundles on a serving plate.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND MELON SALAD

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the prosciutto in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until crispy. Drain the prosciutto on paper towels and set aside to cool. Chop the prosciutto into 1/4-inch pieces.
• Meanwhile, heat a small, heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine nuts to the hot skillet and stir them until they become fragrant and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.
• In a medium bowl, toss together the asparagus and 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until crisp-tender.
• In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add the melon and mozzarella cheese. Toss to coat.
• Arrange the asparagus on a platter. Spoon the melon and mozzarella cheese on top of the asparagus. Drizzle any remaining dressing from the bowl over the top. Sprinkle with the prosciutto and pine nuts and serve.

HONEY-LEMON ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus in batches; cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or just until crisp-tender. Drain and pat dry., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. , Transfer asparagus to a large bowl; drizzle with glaze and toss gently to coat. If desired, sprinkle with additional sea salt.

ASPARAGUS WITH MEYER LEMON BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup panko and 1 teaspoon chopped thyme and cook, stirring, until browned, 3 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons grated pecorino, 2 tablespoons chopped chives and 2 teaspoons Meyer lemon zest; season with salt and pepper and set aside. Cook 2 pounds trimmed asparagus in salted boiling water until crisp-tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons butter and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter and top with the panko mixture.