ROASTED WHITE ASPARAGUS

Golden crisp asparagus

I think the best way to introduce asparagus into your kitchen is by roasting it - the reason being it has a nice toasty crunch to it. I have tried roasting both - green and white asparagus and they both came out perfect ! There are some minute differences between these 2 varieties. My observation is green asparagus is thinner and more tender than the white one, that way it takes little less time for roasting. Taste wise, white asparagus has a slighter mellow taste than the green one. 

But my suggestion is to try both of them - white asparagus is not common and is considered a delicacy in some European countries. There is a very peculiar method of growing the white asparagus - what I read was it is covered with plastic bags or dirt to prevent direct sun's rays, which block the formation of chlorophyll thus preventing the asparagus from turning green.

This is a very easy recipe using common ingredients available in daily household. You will need the following ingredients :-

1 pound white asparagus
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper 
1/8 tsp dried parsley (optional)

Process :-

1.  Preheat oven to 400 F.

2.  Break off tough ends of asparagus - peel them if they are thick. Wash and rinse carefully leaving no dirt/sand on it.

Asparagus ready to go in the oven

3.  Place the asparagus on a baking sheet - drizzle olive oil, salt, black pepper and parsley (if desired), toss and coat them evenly. Arrange neatly in a single layer and roast  for 25 mins. till crisp from outside but tender from the inside.

Note :-  If using green asparagus, roast for about 15-20 mins. keeping a watchful eye.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS (serves 2-3)

Stuffed Mushroom

My family loves mushrooms in general. About 4-5 years back, I had this appetizer at an Italian restaurant, that's how I fell in love with it. During the same time I used to watch a TV show "Everyday Italian" - it was a great show, I saw the recipe there - made some changes and tried it. It tasted awesome like the one which came out of a restaurant (I know I shouldn't brag but it was superb :)) There are many different versions of stuffed mushrooms out there. You can fill them with numerous possible ingredients, I myself have tried making 2-3 kinds of stuffing and they all taste good. Today I am going to show you the simplest version of stuffed mushrooms and this one happens to be my family's favorite !  So sit back, relax and enjoy the world of Italian cooking !!

Ingredients :-

8 large white mushrooms 
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup Italian blend cheese
2 cloves garlic, grated 
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more for drizzling
1/4 tsp dried parsley
Handful of  fresh basil, chopped 
Salt to taste
Couple turns of black pepper

Process :-

1.  Wash and rinse the white mushrooms thoroughly making sure no dirt is left. Remove the stems very carefully not breaking the mushrooms. You will see that a cavity is formed.

Cavity is formed

2.  Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix all the above ingredients except the mushrooms in a bowl.

Stuffing is ready

3.  Grease the baking dish with oil (we don't want our mushrooms to stick to it). 

4.  Fill the mushrooms with generous amount of stuffing till a mound is created. Drizzle olive oil over each mushroom. 

Mushrooms ready to go in the oven

5.  Place the mushrooms cavity side up on the baking dish and bake them for 25 mins. till they are tender and golden on top. Serve and enjoy !!

Stuffed golden mushrooms !