Arugula, Asparagus and Fennel Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch organic arugula, washed well and dried
- 1 bulb fennel, fronds removed and sliced thinly
- 1 pound asparagus
- navel orange segments
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1 wedge Pecorino cheese
- zest of 1 navel orange
- juice of 1 navel orange
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
Whisk together orange zest, juice, shallot, vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large pot of boiling water, cook asparagus for three to four minutes. Remove asparagus from hot water, and place in a bowl of cold water with ice to stop the cooking. Allow asparagus to dry on a kitchen towel. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Arrange arugula, fennel, asparagus and oranges on a large serving plate. Top with toasted walnuts. With a vegetable peeler, add curls of pecorino on top of salad. Drizzle lightly with vinaigrette.
Fava Bean and Leek Crostini
Ingredients
- 3 pounds fava beans in the pod
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, well rinsed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- couple splashes of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, optional
- 12 slices baguette, toasted in oven until crisp
- 2 radishes, thinly sliced
Shell fava beans (you'll have about 2 cups of fava beans). Boil beans in salted water for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from water and set aside to cool. When cool, remove skins from beans by tearing it open at its round end, and popping out the bean.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, saut? leeks and garlic in olive oil (not extra virgin) for 5 to 6 minutes, or until leeks are cooked and soft.
Combine fava beans, leek and garlic mixture, extra virgin olive oil, broth, lemon juice and a few sprinkles of salt and pepper in a blender. Blend until mostly smooth. Add cheese, if using, and pulse until combined. Spread bean puree on warm toasts, and top with radish slices.
