Asparagus with Blood Oranges and Shallots

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.

Ingredient List:

• 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 or white wine
• 1 bunch asparagus, ends snapped, left whole
• 2 blood oranges, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds
• balsamic vinegar

Step By Step 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 sauté until the shallots are quite limp and beginning to color, about 4 minutes. Add lemon zest and sprinkle generously with mirin/wine 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.
 
Cook’s Tip: if you prefer to make this dish without wine or mirin to avoid any alcohol, simply substitute sparkling apple juice for a delicious result.