On the Light Side + Aiming for Balance

A really light lunch today consisting of asparagus, grilled pear, toasted hazelnuts and fresh turmeric. Quite appropriate after an indulgent evening out with the girls inclusive of dessert, wine and lots of laughter. I still feel good thinking about it now. To bulk this up a little I suggest the addition of some protein such as a poached egg, feta or even cottage cheese however in sticking with the lighter option I went for a dollop of creme fraiche, a splash of lemon juice and a grind or two of cracked black pepper plus a herbal tea for comfort.

So are you thinking what is with the turmeric? Well I picked some up at the farmers markets last weekend and have been grating it over many things throughout the duration of the week. It has an unusual peppery type of flavour and stains your fingers and anything else it comes into contact with, but i like it. It possibly is not for everyone but I mostly love it for its medicinal properties which you can read about here if your wish.

My Light Asparagus Salad
Serves 1

1 bunch of fresh asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
1/2 pear sliced thinly
Juice 1/2 lemon
5 hazelnuts toasted or plain roughly chopped
1 tsp grated turmeric

Dollop of natural yoghurt or creme fraiche
Ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to the boil
Blanch the asparagus by putting it in the boiling water for 1 min then
remove from the boiling water and place in a bowl of iced water
Preheat a griddle pan to medium and grill the slices of pear until caramelised
Remove the asparagus from the iced water to drain
Chop the hazelnuts roughly
Grate the turmeric and assemble salad
Spoon leftover lemon juice over the salad and ground black pepper