Asparagus Ribbon, Mint & Pea Pesto Toasts Recipe

Asparagus: Fresh green stalks that are shaved into ribbons for a delicate texture and flavor.

Mint leaves: Fresh herb that adds a refreshing and aromatic touch to the pesto.

Peas: Sweet and tender, they form the base of the pesto.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the pesto.

Pine nuts: Provide a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the pesto.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the pesto.

Olive oil: Helps blend the pesto into a smooth and cohesive mixture.

Sourdough bread: A sturdy and flavorful base for the toasts.

When shaving asparagus into ribbons, hold the stalk firmly at one end and use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips. For best results, start from the base of the stalk and peel towards the tip. This technique ensures even ribbons that will lay beautifully on your toast. If the asparagus is particularly thick, you may want to rotate the stalk as you peel to maintain consistent thickness.

• asparagus - Substitute with zucchini ribbons: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be easily ribboned to mimic the appearance and mouthfeel of asparagus.

• fresh mint leaves - Substitute with basil leaves: Basil provides a fresh and aromatic flavor that complements the peas and other ingredients well.

• fresh or thawed if frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame offers a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor that works well in pesto.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor profile, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.

• pine nuts - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, and are often more affordable and accessible.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the pesto without overpowering it.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar consistency and a mild flavor that works well in pesto.

• sourdough or your choice bread - Substitute with whole grain bread: Whole grain bread provides a hearty texture and additional nutrients, making it a healthy alternative.

• To keep your asparagus ribbons fresh, store them in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel. This will help maintain their crispness and vibrant color. Place the container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

• The pea pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the pesto from browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container.

• If you want to freeze the pea pesto, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. The pesto can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use frozen pea pesto, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, but be careful not to overheat it.

• For the sourdough bread or any other bread you choose, store it in a bread box or a paper bag at room temperature to maintain its texture. Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator as it can make it stale faster.

• If you have leftover assembled toasts, it's best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within a day. The bread may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will still be delightful.

• To reheat the stored toasts, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.

• For a quick refresh, you can also re-toast the bread slices separately and then reassemble with the pea pesto and asparagus ribbons just before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the toasts on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the asparagus ribbons from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to a low heat setting and toast the bread slices with the pea pesto and asparagus ribbons for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-toasting.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the toasts on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary, but be cautious as the bread can become soggy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the toasts in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are warming evenly without burning.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the toasts inside. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, which will help maintain the crispiness of the bread while warming the pesto and asparagus.

• Vegetable peeler: Use this to shave the asparagus into delicate ribbons.

• Food processor: Blend the mint, peas, parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.

• Toaster: Toast the bread slices to a golden brown.

• Spatula: Spread the pea pesto evenly on the toasted bread.

• Cutting board: Provide a stable surface for preparing the asparagus and other ingredients.

• Knife: Trim the ends of the asparagus and chop any other ingredients if needed.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the peas, parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil accurately.

• Grater: Grate the parmesan cheese finely.

• Garlic press: Crush the garlic clove for the pesto.

• Serving plate: Arrange the finished toasts attractively for serving.

Use pre-shaved asparagus: Save time by purchasing pre-shaved asparagus from the store.

Frozen peas: Use frozen peas instead of fresh ones to skip the shelling process.

Pre-grated cheese: Buy pre-grated parmesan cheese to avoid grating it yourself.

Toast in bulk: Toast all bread slices at once in the oven instead of individually in a toaster.

Food processor efficiency: Blend the pesto ingredients in one go to save time on multiple batches.