Delicious local asparagus and rhubarb Of all the signs of spring, none are more eagerly awaited than Ontario asparagus and rhubarb. Available from early May to the end of June, asparagus can shine in so many delicious ways. Small and large stalks are equally tender and flavourful. When shopping at your local grocery store, farmers’ market and on-farm market, think local and cook with local ingredients. Ontario asparagus makes a fragrant pesto for store-bought pizza dough making this a fast and easy meal to put together. Asparagus Pesto Pizza is the perfect springtime pizza topped with greenhouse tomatoes, sweet peppers and bocconcini. Dinner will come together in no time when you have your ingredients ready to go. Enjoy this seasonal Chicken, Asparagus and Bok Choy Stir-Fry highlighting some of the best Ontario spring vegetables. A new favourite everyone will love are Grilled Asparagus and Steak Tacos. The quick pickled relish is a nice treat and the pico de gallo provides a fresh springtime flavour. This versatile recipe works well with rainbow trout or chicken. Rhubarb has an irresistible tartness that excels in desserts. The tangy, yet sweet rhubarb and strawberry mixture is gently folded into store-bought ice cream to make this tasty treat. Enjoy Rhubarb Strawberry Swirled Ice Cream served in waffle bowls or ice cream cones. You can easily double this recipe. We know buying food and cooking is different during COVID-19. Be prepared with a list before you head out for your weekly grocery shopping and keep your distance from other shoppers. Visit us at foodlandontario.ca to find quick and easy recipes you can make with food you can find in your fridge, freezer or pantry. No matter how you prepare them, Ontario asparagus and rhubarb are delicious! During the upcoming weeks, the Town Crier will feature the recipes for the above mentioned dishes, starting with Mushroom and Turkey Stuffed Shells. We hope you enjoy them! Asparagus Pesto Pizza Preparation Time: 20 minutesCooking Time: 30 secondsBaking Time: 25 minutesServes 8 1 prepared pizza dough ball, about 700 g, thawed if needed Pesto:1 lb (500 g) Ontario Asparagus, trimmed1/2 cup (125 mL) cashews, almonds or pecans2 large cloves garlic, minced1 cup (250 mL) Ontario Basil Leaves1/2 cup (125 mL) finely grated Parmesan cheese1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt1/3 cup (75 mL) olive oil Pizza:1 container (200 g) mini Ontario Bocconcini Balls, sliced1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oilPinch each crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano leaves and salt1 cup (250 mL) Ontario Greenhouse Grape Tomatoes, sliced in half1 Ontario Greenhouse Sweet Pepper, thinly sliced1/2 tsp (2 mL) balsamic vinegar1/8 tsp (.5 mL) salt Remove pizza dough from fridge. Set aside 4 asparagus spears. Pesto: Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add remaining asparagus to boiling water. Cook 30 seconds or until bright green. Drain; rinse under cold water until chilled. Pat dry. Cut asparagus into pieces. In food processor, place asparagus pieces, cashews and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Scrape down sides. Add basil, Parmesan and salt. Pulse until finely chopped. With motor running, gradually add oil until completely combined. Pizza: Grease 17- x 12-inch (45 x 30 cm) rimmed baking sheet. On floured surface, roll out dough to fit sheet; transfer to baking sheet. Stretch to fit if needed. Spread about three quarters of the pesto over dough. In small bowl, toss bocconcini with 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) of the oil, red pepper flakes, oregano and salt. Scatter tomatoes, sweet pepper and bocconcini mixture over pesto. Bake in 425°F (220°C) oven until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, using vegetable peeler, shave reserved asparagus spears, leaving tips whole. In small bowl, place asparagus; toss with remaining oil, balsamic vinegar and pinch of salt. Scatter on pizza; dollop with remaining pesto. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Nutritional Information:1 ServingPROTEIN: 15 gramsFAT: 25 gramsCARBOHYDRATE: 46 gramsCALORIES: 462FIBRE: 3 gramsSODIUM: 720 mg – Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario
Asparagus Pesto Pizza
