Blanching is a process that quickly cooks and cools vegetables to retain their bright color and texture. The lower stems of mature asparagus will likely have a tougher outer bark. A vegetable peeler works quite well to trim the bark away from the tender center.

Serving Size: 2-4

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, washed and trimmed
• 6 Tbsp kosher salt 
• 1 quart water
• 1 quart ice water

Directions

1. Bring salted water to a rapid boil.
2. Add asparagus, cook for 3 minutes.
3. Carefully remove with tongs or a slotted spoon.
4. Immediately submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process
5. Remove from ice water into colander to drain excess water.
6. Slice on the bias into 2 inch sections.
7. Reheat immediately before serving by steaming or sautéing for one minute (or putting into microwave for 20 seconds).

Recipe Note

- For best results, don’t overcrowd your pot, as this will reduce the temperature of your water; instead, cook in batches
- Have a bowl of ice water nearby to instantly stop the cooking process
- For more mature asparagus, use a vegetable peeler to trim the bark
- Slicing on the bias (on an angle) helps retain the long slender appearance of the vegetable