Romesco also makes a great dip to have as an antipasto or on crostini.
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
1kg asparagus, ends snapped off and washed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 slice (about 40g) good bread, crusts removed
1⁄2 cup whole blanched almonds, plus 1⁄4 cup extra for garnishing, toasted
1⁄2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins rubbed off
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1⁄4 teaspoon chili flakes
2 teaspoons sweet Spanish paprika
1 large red capsicum, roasted, skin and seeds removed
225g ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
1⁄2 cup olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
METHOD
Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes in boiling water then drain and refresh in ice-cold water to halt the cooking process and retain its bright green colour. Dry on paper towels.
Heat the oil in a small sauté pan and fry the bread on both sides until golden.
In a food processor place the bread, nuts, garlic, chilli, and paprika and process until finely chopped. Add the capsicum, tomatoes, and vinegar.
Blend, then, with the motor running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream. Season to taste.
Arrange the asparagus on a platter and cover the bottom of the stems with some of the sauce.
Scatter over the extra almonds and serve the remaining sauce in a bowl. Serves 8
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Issue 128
This winter issue of dish is about comfort and connection. Celebrating the best of New Zealand and Australian produce, it brings together recipes from some of our most-loved chefs, including Moroccan Chicken Soup, Mint-glazed Roasted Leg of Lamb, Slow Cooker Braised Red Wine and Miso White Chocolate Cheesecake. Find plenty to carry you through the colder months, from flaky sausage rolls and mushroom pie, to soul-soothing pasta, nostalgic baking, weekend market inspiration and dinner party menus. There’s a spotlight on the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, recipes from Caroline Griffiths’ Midnight Spaghetti, and a deep dive into the difference between Kiwi syrah and Aussie shiraz.