Asparagus Mushroom Pasta Sauce (Moosewood)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus, thin as possible, trimmed & cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
• 1 1/2 cups onions, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb mushroom, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 tablespoon flour (depending on how thick you'd like it)
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb pasta

Directions

1. 1

   Steam the asparagus until just tender, transfer to a colander & rinse under cold running water then set aside to drain well.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add onion & salt and saute for about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add mushrooms, tarragon and pepper, cover and cook over medium heat for 15 mins, stirring occasionally .

4. 4

   Add wine and water. Turn up heat until liquid comes to boil, then sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly until it completely dissolves.

5. 5

   Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 mins, stirring frequently.

6. 6

   Add garlic, cook about 5 mins more.

7. 7

   Stir the asparagus into the sauce at the last minute when your pasta is done.