Last spring, we ate at Eataly's La Pizza & La Pasta restaurant. This shaved asparagus salad is as close to their dish as I can approximate without having stepped in their kitchen. The recipe uses a mandoline so mind your fingertips!
Shaved Asparagus Salad
Serves 2
1/2 bunch asparagus (go for the thicker ones, they'll be easier to slice)
5 fava beans, the whole pod - not just the beans, rinsed
1/2 lemon, juiced
about 2-3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, shaved
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
sea salt & fresh ground black pepper
In a medium sized bowl, fill it with ice water and place near sink. Half fill a medium sized pot with water. Bring to boil and add fava beans. Lower heat and simmer for just 2 minutes. Drain water and put the beans in the ice water bowl. Let cool. Peel the fava beans, including the "bean wrappers". Set aside.
Rinse and trim the woody end of the asparagus. Now VERY carefully, slice the asparagus into thin 1/16" strips or use a peeler. Put in a large bowl.
These steps should be taken only when you're ready to serve - otherwise your strips will be limp and flaccid - eew. Add the fava beans and lemon juice. Toss a couple times. Drizzle the olive oil on top. Add cheese, salt and pepper. Toss and serve. Enjoy!