Riojan menestra recipe
To prepare this recipe you should get fresh, crunchy vegetables, free from blemishes produced during transport or storage. Don't wait long before cooking them to preserve all their goodness.
Consider this recipe the equivalent of Post Grade studies in menestras. Not many home cooks take the time to prepare it. I hope you will be able to enjoy this exquisite and traditional menestra recipe with your family.
Riojan menestra recipe
The most elaborate of all menestras, delicious and a stylish display on the table. The result is worth the preparation and cooking time it takes but, be advised, it is not speed cooking; reserve this menestra for a special occasion.
Ingredients
|
|
Procedure
- Prepare cardoons by removing tough outer ribs. Halve inner ribs lengthwise and cut in 2 in pieces. Rub with lemon and soak in water added with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- To prepare the artichokes, if used fresh, cut off first the stem and tough outer leaves. Trim 1 in of the top and remove the fuzzy choke in the middle. Halve, rub all the cut edges with lemon and soak in water with added lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Wash chard stalks and cut in 2 in pieces. Shell peas and broad beans. Wash and prepare Brussels sprouts. Peel carrots and halve lengthwise, cutting them in 2 in pieces afterwards. Boil all vegetables apart. Not too tender.
- Hard boil 3 of the eggs, peel and cut in quarters. Coat in flour and deep fry.
- Beat the other two eggs. Coat in flour first, then egg, and fry artichoke hearts, cardoon, chard, carrots, Brussels sprouts and diced potatoes. Arrange in a pot; an earthenware pot will go straight to the table. Lay broad beans, peas and asparagus on top.
- Heat 5 tbsp olive oil an a saute pan. Saute th onion for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute for a minute more. Add paprika, stir and add 1 heaped tbsp flour. Saute for 2 minutes.
- Add the white wine. Take to the boil an simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the bay leaf and a cup of water, season. Take to the boil again and simmer 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, lay the egg quarters on top as garnish. Serve and enjoy.
Servings: 8
Serving size: 1 serving
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cooking Tips
- If you are going to use ham or meat, add it in step 6. You should brown it before adding the onion to the pan. Leg of lamb would be the meat used in the Rioja.
Food in Spain through the day is an adventure; so it is food shopping in a Spanish market. See how to lay a Spanish table for some ideas. Before laying the table, check other Spanish food recipes to put together your menu.
Back for more menestra recipes or visit food in Spain.
