Basic White Asparagus Recipe

1. 1

   Bring the water to a simmer in a large pot with the salt, lemon juice, butter and sugar.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, trim about 1/2 inch from the ends of the asparagus.

3. 3

   Lay the spears on a work surface and peel them with a sharp vegetable peeler, starting about 1 1/2 inches from the top and running proportionately down the length of each spear.

4. 4

   (Spears are brittle and can snap when peeled in midair.)

5. 5

   Gather the spears into 2 to 4 bundles and tie them loosely with kitchen string, then lower them into the simmering water.

6. 6

   Cook, increasing the heat to maintain a simmer, if necessary, till the asparagus is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, anywhere between 8 and 30 min, depending on the thickness of the spears.

7. 7

   Lift the bundles from the water with kitchen tongs and drain them on paper towels.

8. 8

   This recipe yields 2 to 4 servings.

9. 9

   NOTES :

No additional tips available.