Asparagus, Avocado and Slow-Roasted Tomato Salad

Directions

Ingredients :

4 plum tomatoes

7 tablespoons olive oil

divided

1 tablespoon minced garlic

½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

¼ teaspoon salt

divided

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

divided

24 asparagus spears

trimmed

¼ cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)

green part only

3 tablespoons sherry vinegar

2 ripe Avocados from Mexico

halved and pitted

Methods :

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Core and cut tomatoes in quarters lengthwise; squeeze out seeds. Place, cut side up, on baking sheet.

In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the garlic, thyme, 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper; sprinkle over tomatoes. Roast, turning occasionally, until very soft and shriveled, about 2 and a half hours; set aside.

Meanwhile, cut asparagus into thirds crosswise. Cook asparagus in 1 inch of lightly salted water until bright green and firm, 3 to 5 minutes; rinse with cold water; drain well. In small bowl, toss asparagus with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the scallions; set aside.

To prepare dressing: In small bowl, stir remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil, the vinegar, remaining 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper; set aside. To serve: With a large spoon, scoop Avocado from shells; cut each half into 8 slices lengthwise. On each of 8 salad plates, place asparagus and tomatoes in rows; top with Avocado slices. Stir dressing; drizzle over salads.