Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Asparagus & potato salad

Ingredients



450g/1lb small waxy potatoes

125ml/4fl oz extra virgin olive oil

2 shallots, finely chopped)

4 tablespoons white wine vinegar

900g/2lb fresh asparagus tips or young asparagus, trimmed

225g/8oz young spinach leaves, rinsed and drained

salt and freshly ground black pepper



Ways of Working



  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7.

  2. Put the potatoes in a roasting tin, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20–30 minutes until just soft to the centre, then cool.

  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together some salt, pepper, the shallots, vinegar and the remaining oil. Slice the potatoes thickly, put into a large bowl, pour the dressing over and marinate for 10 minutes.

  4. Cook the asparagus in lightly salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes. Drain carefully, and put into a bowl of ice-cold water to retain the colour and stop the spears cooking further. Drain again, then add to the potatoes with the spinach. Toss together carefully, and serve.



Serves 6