Asparagus

(Movie)

Asparagus with Lemon Matzo Crumble

Ingredients:

Asparagus
4 pounds asparagus
4 tablespoons melted pareve margarine
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Matzo Crumble:

4 tablespoons pareve margarine
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 green onions, finely chopped
2 cups matzo meal
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

To cook asparagus: Cut off the woody stems of asparagus, leaving spears about 6-inches long. If stalks are thick, peel with a vegetable peeler, pulling from stem end toward tip. (Thin spears do not need peeling.) Separate into bundles of 6 to 8 spears each with tips pointing in the same direction. Tie with string.

In a large skillet, bring 1-inch salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until tender, 3 to 6 minutes after water comes to a boil. Timing depends on size and age of spears. Remove bundles, cut string and run asparagus until cold water to stop the cooking. Blot with paper towels. (Asparagus may be refrigerated overnight wrapped in paper towels. Bring to room temperature before reheating.

To make crumble: In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat margarine and oil on HIGH (100 percent) one minute or until margarine is melted. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, green onions, matzo meal, and salt. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100 percent) 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until dry and crisp. (Crumble may be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature.)

Before serving: Arrange cooked asparagus on microwave-safe platter. Sprinkle with salt. Cover with waxed paper and microwave on HIGH (100 percent) 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through. Heat margarine and lemon juice until melted. Drizzle over asparagus. Sprinkle crumble across the center.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Recipe from: Fast and Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays By Marlene Sorosky (Wm Morrow & Co)