Green asparagus mousse with peas and tarragon

Green Asparagus Mousse with Peas and Tarragon: A Vegetable Delight

When it comes to sophisticated yet simple dishes, green asparagus mousse with peas and tarragon is an excellent choice to impress your guests or add a touch of elegance to your table. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a burst of colors on the plate, perfect for special occasions or a refined dinner at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 2-3 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients

- 3 teaspoons lemon-flavored olive oil
- 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 150 g canned peas
- 185 g canned green asparagus
- 10 g gelatin powder
- 100 ml dry white wine (choose a wine with high acidity to balance the flavor)
- 100 ml cream
- 1 teaspoon chopped tarragon (fresh is ideal)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon herb-infused sea salt

Necessary Utensils

- 3 containers of 100 ml (preferably glass or ceramic)
- Blender
- A small saucepan
- Spoons
- Round baking parchment
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the containers
Grease the three containers with a teaspoon of olive oil each, making it easier for the mousse to release. Place a round piece of baking parchment at the bottom of each container, cut to the exact size of the base. This step is essential to prevent the mousse from sticking.

2. Preparing the puree
Start by cutting the asparagus into small pieces and adding it to the blender along with 100 g of peas. Blend the vegetables until you achieve a smooth and creamy puree. You can adjust the consistency by adding a tablespoon of water if necessary.

3. Dissolving the gelatin
In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 100 ml of dry white wine. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid. Then, gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil!

4. Combining the ingredients
Add the dissolved gelatin to the vegetable puree and mix well. In another bowl, combine the cream with the teaspoon of chopped tarragon, herb-infused sea salt, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the cream mixture into the blender and blend with the vegetable puree until you achieve a homogeneous and airy mixture.

5. Filling the containers
Divide the mixture evenly among the three prepared containers. Make sure they are filled uniformly. Cover the containers with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming on the surface and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until the mousse sets.

6. Preparing the garnish
While the mousse is chilling, mix the remaining 50 g of peas with a teaspoon of olive oil. This mixture will add a crunchy texture and a contrast of flavor.

7. Serving
Once the mousse is ready, carefully invert them from the containers onto plates. Sprinkle each mousse with the mixed peas and chopped tarragon, then drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also add a few fresh tarragon leaves for a more elegant touch.

Helpful Tip

To add a note of freshness, you can use fresh tarragon, which has a more intense and aromatic flavor than dried. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar (for example, apple cider vinegar) to slightly change the flavor profile of the mousse.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. A serving of asparagus and pea mousse contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on how the cream is prepared. Asparagus and peas are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and provide a wealth of antioxidants beneficial for your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh asparagus?
Absolutely! Fresh asparagus adds a more intense texture and flavor. Blanch it before using to maintain its vibrant color.

2. How can I make the mousse creamier?
Adding a larger amount of cream or a bit of mascarpone can enhance the mousse's texture.

3. What can I serve alongside the mousse?
Asparagus mousse pairs perfectly with a light green salad or toasted bread croutons. A glass of dry white wine will successfully complement this elegant meal.

Possible Variations

To give it a personal touch, you can replace tarragon with other herbs like dill or basil, depending on your preferences. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to create a variety of flavors.

Green asparagus mousse with peas and tarragon is not just a delicious dish but also a true culinary work of art. With a little effort and a lot of passion, you will succeed in bringing a touch of refinement to your table. Savor every bite and enjoy the results!