A Pilaf Of Asparagus Broad Beans And Mint Recipes

Steps:

• Blanch and skin the fava beans and place them in a bowl. Use the blanching water to blanch the asparagus, or steam the asparagus if you prefer. If blanching, bring the water in the pot to a boil, salt generously and add the asparagus spears. Blanch 1 to 4 minutes, depending on how thick the asparagus is; fat spears (recommended) will take up to 4 minutes, but thin ones are ready in 1 minute. You can steam the asparagus over 1 inch boiling water for the same amount of time if you prefer. Transfer the lightly cooked asparagus to a bowl of cold water, then drain and dry on paper towels. Cut into 1-inch lengths. Add to the bowl with the fava beans. Add the herbs, and the chickpeas if using.
• Combine the lemon zest and juice, vinegar, garlic or shallots, and salt to taste in a bowl. Whisk in the oil and yogurt. Toss with the favas and asparagus. Add the shaved Parmesan, toss again and serve, or allow to marinate for 30 minutes, then serve.

Steps:

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then soak in warm water for 5 mins and drain well. Heat the butter in a saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sizzle everything for 8-10 mins until softened, but not coloured. Stir though the rice and pour over the stock. Cover, bring to the boil, then turn down heat to a minimum and cook the rice very slowly for 10 mins.
• Lift the lid, and quickly scatter over the podded beans, then replace the lid. Turn up the heat and simmer for 5 mins until all the liquid is absorbed. Add the dill, give the rice a good stir and serve with extra butter melting through.

Steps:

• Fill a small saucepan two-thirds full with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 sprig of thyme, 2 bay leaves, and shell beans. Bring to a simmer, and then reduce heat slightly. Cook until beans are tender, about 25 minutes. Let cool in cooking liquid. Drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
• Bring stock to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook, stirring, until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add remaining 2 sprigs thyme, bay leaf, mint, and rice; stir to coat.
• Add simmering stock mixture to rice mixture and stir. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until rice is tender, 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; loosely cover to keep warm.
• Place the beans, remaining tablespoon butter, and 2 tablespoons cooking liquid inside a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook until warmed through. Tear mint leaves and add to beans; season with salt and pepper. Fold bean mixture into rice mixture and serve immediately, drizzled with mint oil if desired.

Steps:

• Make the butter: Melt butter with mint, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat until just bubbling around edges.
• Make the asparagus: Cook asparagus in a pot of salted boiling water until bright green and tender, about 3 minutes. Drain.
• Drizzle a few tablespoons mint butter over asparagus, and toss gently to coat. Garnish with mint leaves.