White Asparagus Blinis

With Herbed Yogurt and Asparagus Cream

Welcome to the Despaña summer menu! We’re excited to introduce a refined dish that embodies both simplicity and elegance: White Asparagus Blinis with Herbed Yogurt and Asparagus Cream. This appetizer is perfect for those warm, sunny days when you crave something light yet flavorful. We’re highlighting La Catedral White Asparagus, a premium ingredient from Navarra, Spain, known for its exceptional quality and taste.

These blinis are a sophisticated addition to any meal, starting with a base of fluffy, golden pancakes. The blinis are easy to prepare at home, but for convenience, you can also purchase ready-made blinis from your local store. They provide the perfect canvas for our vibrant toppings. The herbed yogurt and asparagus cream bring together the creamy richness of greek yogurt, the freshness of mint, and the subtle, earthy notes of finely chopped La Catedral white asparagus. The tartness of lime juice adds a refreshing zing, making this cream a delightful complement to the blinis.

The real showstopper, however, are the torched white asparagus tips. Using a culinary torch, we lightly char the tips to bring out their natural sweetness and add a hint of smokiness. While the torch is optional, it provides a great charred effect if you have one handy. This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing visual contrast to the dish. Finally, an optional sprinkle of colorful dried edible flowers elevates the presentation, wowing your diners with a burst of color. 

This dish is an excellent choice for a summer appetizer, offering a taste of high-quality Spanish produce in a simple yet elegant format. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.

Ingredients

Serves 3-4 people.

For the Blinis:

  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ egg, whisked (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • Pinch of salt

For the White Asparagus Cream:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh mint, finely chopped
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3-4 stalks of La Catedral white asparagus, finely chopped into a tartare
  • Juice of ½ lime

For the Torched White Asparagus Tips:

  • 1 Jar of La Catedral White asparagus tips

To Garnish:

  • Colorful dried edible flowers

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Blinis

  1. Activate the Yeast: Slightly warm the milk and add the yeast. Let it rest for 10 minutes until bubbles form, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, whisked egg, melted butter, and salt. Pour in the yeast-milk mixture and whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth.
  3. Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Blinis: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour small portions of the batter onto the pan, creating mini pancakes. Cook without oil until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown. Set aside.

Step 2: Making the White Asparagus Cream

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh mint, and salt.
  2. Prepare the Asparagus Tartare: Finely chop the body of the La Catedral White Asparagus (excluding the tips) and incorporate it into the yogurt mixture.
  3. Add Freshness: Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the cream and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Torching the White Asparagus Tips

  1. Prepare the White Asparagus: Cut the tips of the white asparagus into 4 parts.
  2. Torch the White Asparagus: Using a culinary torch, carefully flame the white asparagus tips until they achieve a darker, slightly charred color.

Assembly

  1. Layer the Blinis: Place each blini on a serving plate.
  2. Top with Cream: Spoon a generous dollop of the asparagus cream onto each blini.
  3. Garnish with Asparagus Tips: Arrange the torched asparagus tips on top of the cream.
  4. Finish with a Flourish: Sprinkle with colorful dried edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Buen Provecho!

10% OFF LA CATEDRAL WHITE ASPARAGUS

To make this recipe in EVEN more style, we're automatically discounting La Catedral White Asparagus at checkout. Shop the product below!

LA CATEDRAL White Asparagus (PDO)

Regular price$27.00
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World-class white asparagus from Navarra, Spain. Deliciously tender and fiber free, these asparagus are harvested between April and June in Navarre. A true delicacy. 

Spanish white asparagus are rare and valued for their delicious flavor profile and texture. They are grown beneath the ground and harvested at night -- this limits their exposure to sunlight which allows them to maintain their special white complexion. This is one of the key differences between white asparagus and green asparagus. 

This white asparagus is special because it has been cooked and prepared to be enjoyed right out of the jar. Normally fresh white asparagus needs to be peeled and boiled before consumption. 

Protected Designation of Origin certifies products' excellence, uniqueness and distinctiveness.
LA CATEDRAL White Asparagus (PDO)
LA CATEDRAL White Asparagus (PDO)
LA CATEDRAL White Asparagus (PDO)
Enjoy your Blinis!

The perfect dish for summer.

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