Skip to main content

Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon

4.5

(49)

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Vegetable Animal Seafood Sea Life and Lobster
Asparagus with Morels and TarragonDitte Isager

Tarragon leaves and meaty morel caps shoot up all over the Jura mountains in the spring. Here, tossed with juicy green and white asparagus — Europeans are particularly mad for the latter — they're a genuine sampling of the season.

Cooks' note:

Asparagus can be boiled 1 day ahead and chilled in a sealed plastic bag lined with paper towels.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

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

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    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.

    Step 2

    Transfer asparagus with a slotted spoon to a colander and rinse under cold water (to stop cooking), then drain again. Pat dry.

    Step 3

    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.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.