Roasting concentrates the flavour of most foods, particularly vegetables that are usually dunked in water. This smoky salsa is best served warm and is wonderful with grilled chicken, pork or fish, in quesadillas or tortilla wraps.

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Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 2 ripe Ontario Greenhouse Tomates
  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
  • 1 lb (500 g) Ontario Asparagus
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 Ontario Onion
  • 1 Ontario Greenhouse Sweet Red Pepper, quartered and seeded
  • 1 or 2 jalapeño peppers, minced, or hot sauce , to taste
  • 1 clove Ontario Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) lime or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise; squeeze out seeds. Chop and place in colander in sink; sprinkle with salt and let stand.

Break asparagus stems where they snap easily; discard ends. Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil. Cut onion into quarters lengthwise; keeping root intact; brush with oil. Grill asparagus, onion and red pepper over medium heat until tender and lightly charred, 10 to 15 minutes, removing to upper rack when cooked to keep warm. Chop asparagus, onion and red pepper; place in large bowl. Add tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, garlic, cilantro (if using) and lime juice. Season to taste with salt, pepper and hot sauce. Serve immediately.

A few ways to serve:

Quesadillas - Serves 1

Spoon some roasted asparagus, red pepper and onion salsa onto a flour tortilla; sprinkle with shredded dheddar cheese. Press another tortilla on top. Grill over medium-high heat (or place in nonstick skillet) until crisp and golden on both sides. Cut into wedges.

Bruschetta

Slice a skinny baguette into 1/3-inch (8 mm) thick slices; lightly grill or toast. Using slotted spoon, top toasts with roasted asparagus, red pepper and onion salsa. Serve immediately.

Tortilla Wrap - Serves 1

Arrange some julienne slices of cooked chicken, pork or beef down centre of a flour tortilla. Spoon some roasted asparagus, red pepper and onion salsa on top. Roll up and microwave for 30 to 40 seconds at high or until warm.

Note: Microwave recipes tested in a 700-watt microwave oven. Power level terminology in microwave ovens varies; check your owner's manual and use whichever word or number gives you the same percentages as in the recipe (High is always 100%). If your oven differs, cooking times may vary.

Nutritional information

2 tbsp/25 mL:

  • Protein: trace
  • Fat: 1.0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2.0 grams
  • Calories: 19