Recipe: Wooden Heart’s Asparagus Bisque with Savory Rhubarb Compote

Spring is here and our Dundee Hills restaurant menus feature some of Oregon’s best seasonal ingredients. This gorgeous bisque from the Wooden Heart culinary team is a colorful pop of springtime fun, and even better when served alongside a bright, crisp Dundee Hills wine.

BISQUE INGREDIENTS

• 1 white onion
• 1 leeks 
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 stalks of celery
• 1 large carrot
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel pollen
• 4 bunches of asparagus (trimmed and stalks cut)
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups arugula
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• big pinch black pepper

BISQUE INSTRUCTIONS

• Sauté aromatics in olive oil until soft. 
• Add asparagus and broth.
• Add arborio rice
• Bring to a simmer and cook until asparagus, aromatics, and rice are tender (about 25 minutes).
• Add arugula and lemon
• Season to taste
• Puree with an immersion blender until smooth, or blend in batches in a blender
• Garnish with rhubarb compote, olive oil, and some garden herbs or microgreens

COMPOTE INGREDIENTS:

• 2 stalks of rhubarb, finely diced
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated pink peppercorn
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

COMPOTE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Add ingredients to a small pot and bring to a simmer
• Reduce the ingredients to the desired thickness
• Season to taste and let cool to room temperature before serving or refrigerating 

RECOMMENDED WINE PAIRINGS:

• 2021 Élevée Ridgecrest Vineyard Riesling: This single-vineyard bottling from the historic Ridgecrest Vineyard features notes of citrus, minerality, petrol, and white flowers. It is dry and crisp and will perfectly complement the bisque’s brightness.

• 2025 Resonance Willamette Valley Rosè: This Willamette Valley Rosé is sourced from two estate vineyards, revealing a natural character and elegance well-suited to rosé production. The nose is aromatic and complex, with notes of cherry, lime, grapefruit, and wild strawberry. The palate is wonderfully vibrant, with expressive fruit and energetic acidity.

• 2023 Lange Classique Pinot Gris: The nose opens with lifted aromas of sweet florals, green mango, pear skin, lime blossom, and subtle dried herbs. Beneath the fruit lies a gentle nuttiness and mineral tone that adds depth and intrigue. On the palate, honeyed nectarine, Asian pear, crisp apple, and citrus zest glide across a medium-bodied frame. The texture is sleek yet layered, with a vibrant line of acidity that keeps the wine focused and mouthwatering. The finish is long and refreshing, marked by lingering orchard fruit, soft spice, and a delicate saline edge.