Griddled asparagus

Method

• step 1

  Cut (or break) off the woody ends from the asparagus. Boil the spears in a large pan of salted water for 3 minutes. Drain, then plunge the spears into ice-cold water to stop the cooking and set the colour. Pat the asparagus dry.

• step 2

  Oil the spears lightly. Leave a large cast-iron griddle over a high heat until it’s very hot, then arrange the spears on it in a single layer. (You may have to griddle the asparagus in two batches.) Reduce the heat to medium and cook the spears for 3-4 minutes. Turn them with tongs and cook for a few more minutes, or until the spears are tender to the point of a knife and lightly gilded.

• step 3

  Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter and sprinkle on a few drops of balsamic vinegar. Serve while still hot, although the spears will also taste very good at room temperature.

• step 4

  To get ahead, you can prepare the asparagus to the end of step 1 and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours.