Although raw asparagus might seem unusual to those who have only eaten asparagus cooked, it is delicious. The slightly different flavor is highlighted in the following salad.
Ingredients
1 pound medium to thick asparagus, trimmed
1/2 pound mushrooms, stems trimmed even with caps
4 medium radishes, halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 bunch watercress, coarse stems discarded
a 1/4-pound piece Parmesan cheese at room temperature
Directions
With a sharp knife, cut asparagus diagonally into very thin slices and transfer to a large bowl. Halve large mushrooms. Slice mushrooms very thin and add with radishes to asparagus. Toss salad gently.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, mustard and salt. Add oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk until emulsified. Drizzle dressing over asparagus salad and toss gently. Grind pepper over salad.
Spread watercress on a platter and top with asparagus salad. With a vegetable peeler, shave half to three-fourths of Parmesan into curls over salad, reserving remaining Parmesan for another use.
