Asparagus & Mushroom Salad with Shaved Parmesan

makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium to thick asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, stems trimmed even with caps
• 4 medium radishes, halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise
• 2 T fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/3 C extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch watercress, coarse stems discarded
• 1/4-lb piece Parmesan, room temperature

Directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Spread watercress on a platter and top with asparagus salad. With a vegetable peeler, shave 1/2 to 3/4 of Parmesan into curls over salad, reserving remaining Parmesan for another use.

recipe from: Gourmet Magazine, 05/07/03