BROILED ASPARAGUS

SERVES 4

TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

9860.jpg

To ensure even cooking, choose asparagus that is roughly ½ inch thick. Regular olive oil can be substituted for the extra-virgin. This asparagus can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled if desired. See the photos that follow the recipe.

1

pound asparagus, trimmed

1

tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Lemon juice (optional)

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Toss asparagus with oil, season with salt and pepper, and lay in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Broil, shaking pan occasionally, until asparagus is tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice, if using, to taste before serving.

VARIATIONS

BROILED ASPARAGUS WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE

Simmer ¾ cup balsamic vinegar in 8-inch skillet over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil. Drizzle balsamic-oil mixture over broiled asparagus before serving.

BROILED ASPARAGUS WITH SOY-GINGER SAUCE

Substitute 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for extra-virgin olive oil. Whisk ¼ cup lime juice, 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 thinly sliced scallions, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon honey together in bowl; drizzle over broiled asparagus before serving.