Tuscan Cuisine
It is time for asparagus. White, green, purple,
cultivated or wild, until the end of June asparagus push up through
the earth for the happiness of the gourmets.
by Rebecca Taylor
Famous since antiquity for their medicinal properties,
diuretic, depurative, rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium
and B & C vitamins.
They need to be picked up as soon as the appear
on the surface of the ground, otherwise they become woody.
Asparagus does not need to be cooked in a complicated
way. In Tuscany we often use the green ones which are very tasty
and slightly bitter, the countryside is also full of the thin and
dark wild ones. "Nella" is the butcher of our village but also one
of the best cooks. She gave us to simple recipes usually prepared
in Tuscan homes.
RISOTTO o PASTA CON ASPARAGI
E PANCETTA - (4 persons)
- Cut 100grs of "pancetta" (bacon)
in small pieces and put it fry lightly in a large pan
with some olive oil and a clove of garlic.
- At the same time boil 1 lt. of
water with 1 stock cube or fresh vegetable broth.
- When the pancetta is fried enough
add 400 gr. of trimmed asparagus for few minutes (2-3
minutes is enough).
- Add to the pancetta and asparagus
300 gr. (medium) of rice, stir for 2/3 minutes (you
can add half glass of white wine, cook for 2/3 minutes
more).
- When the rice becomes transparent
add the broth with one ladleful at a time and continue
stirring. As soon as the broth is evaporated, repeat
this operation that will take 20 to 25 minutes. the
important thing is not to stop stirring as this releases
the starch from the rice.
- When the rice is cooked grate some
"parmiggiano", you can also add a little fresh parsley,
stir and it is ready to be served.
FRIED EGGS WITH ASPARAGUS
- Fry trimmed asparagus in butter
for few minutes add salt and pepper.
- break the eggs over the asparagus,
finish cooking everything in the oven.
- You can grate over some "parmiggiano"
before eating. If you want other Tuscan, Italian or
other delicious recipes, just click on "A TAVOLA" where
Rebecca could also answer any requests. |
