Pappardelle with Spiced Butter

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• pinch of salt
• 1 stick / 4 oz / 100 g butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 medium shallots, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• scant 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon+ fine grain sea salt
• black pepper
• 1/2 pound / 8 oz / 225 g dried pappardelle egg pasta
• 1/2 pound / 8 oz / 225 g asparagus, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• splash of cream
• 1/2 cup / 2 oz / 60 g pine nuts, toasted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped mint
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley