Asparagus with Saffron
This recipe is an adaptation of one I found in a medieval cookbook. It is an unusual, but tasty, way to serve asparagus.
Submitted by: L from Los Angeles, California
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Instructions:
Cut asparagus into 1 inch pieces, keeping tips separate.
Bring a small quantity of water to a boil in a saute pan. Salt the water and add the asparagus stalks in a single layer. Boil about 1 minute, then add the tips and boil 2 minutes more. Drain well and pat dry.
In a skillet, saute scallion in oil just until it begins to turn translucent. Add asparagus and saffron. Stir-fry briefly, then cover, lower heat, and cook gently for 5 minutes, shaking pan occasionally.
Season asparagus with salt, pepper, and freshly ground nutmeg, stir together, cover, and continue to cook for 5 minutes more.
Uncover and continue to cook and shake, just until asparagus begins to turn golden. Serve immediately.
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I’ve made this many times—would love to know the medieval cookbook it came from!
I was very surprised how well this turned out. I sustituted the scallion with a small finely diced onion. I was suprised that the saffron did not impart that much color. But very good and will add to my recipes.