Potato, Asparagus & Fennel Ragoût
by Fine Cooking staff
Serves two to three as a main course.
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, sliced into wedges about 1/2-inch thick at the widest point
Kosher salt and freshly ground black-pepper
1 lb. thick asparagus, bottoms trimmed, spears cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large bulb fresh fennel (about 1 lb.), fibrous outer layer removed, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
10 oz. red-skinned potatoes (about 2 medium), scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth
1 Tbs. heavy cream
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tbs. chopped fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley
1/2 lemon
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan or a small Dutch oven. Add the onion, along with a few pinches of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and starts to turn golden, about 5 min. Add the asparagus, fennel, and potatoes to the pot, along with a few more pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are well coated with oil and the asparagus has turned bright green, 2 to 3 min. Add the chicken broth, raise the heat to high, and cover the pot. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and keep the broth at a lively simmer. Cook, covered, until the potatoes are tender, 7 to 10 min. Stir in the cream, mustard, dill or parsley, and a squeeze or two of lemon juice. Adjust the seasonings and serve.
Variations
You can use thin asparagus instead of thick, but add it 5 min. after you’ve added the fennel and potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
If you like, top the ragoût with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream and more chopped dill or parsley.
nutrition information (per serving):
Size
:
based on three servings;
Calories
(kcal):
220;
Fat
(g):
12;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
110;
Saturated Fat
(g):
3;
Protein
(g):
9;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
8;
Carbohydrates
(g):
24;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
1;
Sodium
(mg):
480;
Cholesterol
(mg):
5;
Fiber
(g):
10;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 56
, pp. 82C
February 1, 2003