Asparagus and Caramelized Shallot Starter

1. 1 Soy sauce 17 ml
2. 2 Asparaguspack 400 g ≈ $4.50Not in every store: Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Target, Trader Joe's, Safeway, Whole Foods 90 g
3. 3 Shallotspack 200 g ≈ $2.00Not in every store: Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Target, Trader Joe's, Safeway, Whole Foods 90 g
4. 4 Sunflower oil 9 ml
5. 5 Vinegar 9% 8 ml
6. 6 Fresh ginger≈ $8.00 per kg 10 g
7. 7 Sugar 5 g
8. 8 Pepper mix 1 g
9. 9 Sesame seeds 3 g

Grey rows are pantry staples: salt, oil, spices. They are not counted in the serving price.

Method

1. Blanch asparagus² in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in cold water and drain.

2. Slice shallots³ into half-rings, fry in sunflower oil for 8 minutes until golden, sprinkling with sugar.

3. Grate ginger, mix with soy sauce and rice vinegar.

4. Pour dressing over shallots³, simmer 5 minutes until liquid evaporates and shallots soften and darken.

5. Add asparagus², toss, and warm through for 1–2 minutes, then turn off heat.

6. Finish with a mix of crushed pepper and toasted sesame seeds; serve warm or chilled.