Asparagus with Blood Oranges and Shallots - Series 7
Not sure what seasonal means? This recipe should clear things right up, as the key ingredients
are available only in the spring. Okay, okay, you can get asparagus anytime, but to have asparagus
as its tender peak, it=s a spring thing. And can you use regular oranges in place of splendid
blood oranges? Sure, but in the spring, why would you? This dish lightens our energy,
but with its depth of flavor is tremendously satisfying.

What You'll Need
extra virgin olive oil
2-3 cloves fresh garlic, thinly sliced
8-10 shallots, peeled, quartered lengthwise
sea salt
grated zest of 1 lemon
mirin
1 bunch asparagus, ends snapped, left whole
2 blood oranges, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds
balsamic vinegar

Instructions
Place a small amount of oil, garlic and shallots in a deep skillet and turn heat to medium.
When the shallots begin to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and saute until the shallots are quite
limp and beginning to color, about 4 minutes. Add lemon zest and sprinkle generously with
mirin and add asparagus spears. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until the asparagus
is just tender and a vivid green. Remove from heat and stir gently to combine.

Arrange blood orange rings around the rim of a serving platter and spoon asparagus and
shallots into the center. Drizzle the entire dish with balsamic vinegar and serve immediately.
Makes 4-5 servings.