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 Pepper mix 30 g
8. 8 Sesame seeds 3 g
9. 9 Ground black pepper 1 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 plunge into cold water and drain in a colander.

2. Cook shallots³ in sunflower oil over medium heat until golden brown, shaking the pan frequently.

3. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a small bowl.

4. Add the caramelized shallots³ to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces.

5. Toss in the blanched asparagus², stir once, then turn off the heat.

6. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and toasted sesame seeds.