- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 3 tablespoons tarragon-white wine vinegar
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 1/4 teaspoons dried
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 7 tablespoons hazelnut oil, walnut oil or olive oil
- 4 cups baby lettuces or inner leaves of curly endive
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked, coarsely chopped
- Pour water into large pot to depth of 1 inch and bring to boil. Place asparagus on steamer rack set over water in pot. Cover pot and steam until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain. Place asparagus on paper towels. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Combine shallots, vinegar, tarragon and mustard in bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Place baby lettuces on large platter. Arrange asparagus atop lettuces. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with hazelnuts.