Basic White Asparagus Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Bring the water to a simmer in a large pot with the salt, lemon juice, butter and sugar.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, trim about 1/2 inch from the ends of the asparagus.
3. 3
   Lay the spears on a work surface and peel them with a sharp vegetable peeler, starting about 1 1/2 inches from the top and running proportionately down the length of each spear.
4. 4
   (Spears are brittle and can snap when peeled in midair.)
5. 5
   Gather the spears into 2 to 4 bundles and tie them loosely with kitchen string, then lower them into the simmering water.
6. 6
   Cook, increasing the heat to maintain a simmer, if necessary, till the asparagus is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, anywhere between 8 and 30 min, depending on the thickness of the spears.
7. 7
   Lift the bundles from the water with kitchen tongs and drain them on paper towels.
8. 8
   This recipe yields 2 to 4 servings.
9. 9
   NOTES :