Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon

Name: Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1 pound white asparagus, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 1 pound green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces; 1 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots (2 large); 1 1/4 pound fresh morels, cleaned and halved lengthwise if large; 1 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 Garnish: chopped fresh tarragon

From the kitchen of Carly

White and green asparagus meet earthy morels in this elegant spring dish. Butter-sautéed shallots anchor the plate, while fresh tarragon and lemon juice brighten everything. Simple, refined, and deeply satisfying.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

11 pound white asparagus, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces
11 pound green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
13/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
11/2 cup finely chopped shallots (2 large)
11/4 pound fresh morels, cleaned and halved lengthwise if large
11 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
11/2 teaspoon salt
11/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1Garnish: chopped fresh tarragon

Instructions

Cook white and green asparagus separately in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes for white asparagus; about 3 minutes for green asparagus.
Transfer asparagus with a slotted spoon to a colander and rinse under cold water (to stop cooking), then drain again. Pat dry.
Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallots, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add morels and sauté, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus, tarragon, salt, pepper, and remaining 3 tablespoons butter and sauté, stirring, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Serve immediately.