Fresh Asparagus Cannelloni Recipes

ASPARAGUS CANNELONI WITH CHANTERELLES AND WILTED SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat a heavy saucepan. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sweat the shallots and garlic until translucent. Add 1/2 of the asparagus scraps and deglaze with vermouth. Reduce to dry and add the chicken stock. Reduce by 3/4 and place in a blender. Add remaining asparagus scraps and blend. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream and finish with spinach. Season and strain. Keep at room temperature.
• Blanch the asparagus and chill. Drain well and reserve on a cloth. Place 2 by 3 squares of blanched pasta on a surface dusted with grated Parmigiano. Place trimmed asparagus on pasta and roll tightly. About 1 1/2 inches of the tip of the asparagus should be exposed. Repeat process and group the asparagus cannelloni in 3's. Cover exposed end with tin foil and brush pasta liberally with melted butter. Add additional cheese. Keep refrigerated until needed.
• Heat a saute pan with olive oil and cook chanterelles, then add garlic puree and spinach. Wilt spinach and season. Gratin cannelloni under broiler until golden brown. Remove foil and place cannelloni on bed of spinach. Drizzle sauce around and arrange mushrooms around. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with chervil. Serve hot.

ASPARAGUS CANNELLONI

Steps:

• Bechemel Sauce:.
• In a saucepan melt the butter and flour.
• Mix well and allow it to take a golden colour, then remove from heat and cool one minute.
• Bring milk to a boil and add to flour & butter mixture, mixing well to prevent lumps.
• Bring to boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often.
• Remove from heat and add shredded Asiago cheese.
• Cannelloni:.
• Cook the pasta sheets in salted water, cool them in icy water and dry with towel.
• Lay the pasta sheets out evenly.
• On each sheet spread bechemel, then lay a slice of prosciutto, asiago and place 3 green and one white asparagus at one end, allowing the asparagus to stick out evenly at each end.
• Roll tightly starting at end with the asparagus to create a log and cut in three even pieces.
• In a baking dish with a pre-buttered bottom, stand the cannelloni upright and nestle the rolls together.
• Spread any left-over bechemel on top.
• Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Sauce:.
• Simmer carrots in vegetable stock for about 10 minutes, season to taste and set aside to cool.
• Puree the stock and carrots in the blender, then strain to remove any larger pieces. Set aside.
• Sauté the leeks in the butter and oil, season to taste. Once soft, add carrot stock and simmer a minute.
• Place some of the sauce in the bottom of each of the four bowls. Place the cannelloni in the centre, nestled against each other. Sprinkle olive oil and grated cheese on top and serve. Each guest should get 6 pieces.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente, adding the asparagus to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and asparagus and run under cold water to cool; drain well.
• Meanwhile, put the onion in a medium bowl and cover with cold water; set aside for 10 minutes.
• Whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice and 1/2 cup of the feta in a large bowl until well combined; season with salt and pepper. Add the pasta and asparagus, beans, parsley, dill and remaining 1/2 cup feta. Drain the onions, pat dry and add to the bowl. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.

WHITE BEAN AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Mix one 15-ounce can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) with 1 grated garlic clove, 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar or white wine vinegar in a large bowl; let stand 15 minutes. Shave 1 bunch trimmed jumbo asparagus into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Add to the bowl along with 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon and another 1 teaspoon vinegar; season with salt and pepper and toss. Toast 3 tablespoons panko in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet; sprinkle over the salad.