White Asparagus with a Brown Vinaigrette

From My Carolina Kitchen - serves 4

1 bunch white asparagus (or green if you can’t find white)

Fine sea salt such as Maldon

Low sodium, low fat beef broth

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

Aleppo chili flakes (or freshly ground black or white pepper)

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Trim about 1” from the tough ends of the asparagus spears using a sharp knife. Peel about 2/3 of each spear below the floret using a vegetable peeler, taking care not to break the asparagus.

Bring a skillet filled with about 2” of beef broth to a boil. Season with salt. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Check for doneness, then remove to a serving platter & discard liquid from pan.

Meanwhile add the butter to a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Let butter turn a nutty brown, about 5 minutes, while swirling the pan to keep butter from foaming too much. Pour browned butter into a small bowl and whisk in lemon juice and vinegar. Season to taste with sea salt, then stir in parsley. Pour vinaigrette over the asparagus, sprinkle with Aleppo pepper flakes, and serve immediately.

Adapted from Gastronomer’s Guide, serves 4