![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
An Improvised Asparagus Dish Is a Happy Accident
By MELISSA CLARK
By MELISSA CLARK
WHEN it came to cooking asparagus, I thought my skill set was complete.
If I craved a browned, caramelized flavor, I applied high heat using a grill, broiler, cranked-up oven or near-smoking sauté pan. Coated in olive oil, the grassy stalks became singed and soft on the outside and just tender within. A simple garnish of whatever was handy — sea salt, fried eggs, Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs — was all that was required before serving and devouring.
If I was in the mood for a purer, lighter flavor, I’d blanch or steam the stalks until bright green and al dente, preserving their fresh, sweet taste, making a healthful foil for a liberal drizzle of melted or browned butter or a dollop of creamy hollandaise.
With all these options, it never occurred to me that there was something succulent lacking from my asparagus repertory, until one recent evening. More
no subject
Date: 2008-05-07 04:25 pm (UTC)Oops
Date: 2008-05-07 04:59 pm (UTC)Re: Oops
Date: 2008-05-07 06:45 pm (UTC)I tend to par-boil 'gus with butter or saute' with just butter and some herbs. This sounds like a neat change for the next time I cook it.