Asparagus Vinaigrette with Sieved Egg and Pickled Onions
NOTE: The
pickled pink onions are an excellent contrast to the creamy
hard-boiled eggs and vinaigrette. Only 1/4 cup of pickled
onions are needed for this salad. Use the remaining pickled onions
in other salads or on sandwiches. For a simpler version of this
salad, use asparagus, hard-boiled egg, and 1/2 cup
Tarragon-Mustard Vinaigrette (see Tarragon-Mustard Vinaigrette). Or try this
salad with 11/2 pounds of trimmed and steamed
leeks.
1/2 cup white wine vinegar, plus 1 tablespoon for vinaigrette
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and ground black pepper
1 small red onion, sliced thin and separated into rings
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon leaves
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 strip zest and 1 tablespoon juice from 1 small orange; zest sliced thin and blanched 10 seconds, then minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11/2 pounds asparagus, tough ends snapped off
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled, white diced fine, yolk pushed through a sieve
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in nonreactive bowl. Place onion slices in colander in sink and pour boiling water over them. Add warm onions to vinegar mixture, adding enough cold water to cover. Let stand until onions are pink, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
2. Put parsley, tarragon, capers, and orange zest in small bowl with pinch of salt; stir in juice and remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar. Whisk in mustard, then slowly whisk in oil. Adjust seasonings and set aside.
3. Bring 1 inch water to boil in soup kettle. Put asparagus in steamer basket, then carefully place basket in kettle. Cover and steam until asparagus spears bend slightly when picked up, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer asparagus to clean towel to dry.
4. Arrange asparagus on platter. Spoon vinaigrette over spears. Lift 1/4 cup or so of onion rings from liquid and scatter over asparagus. Sprinkle diced egg white and sieved yolk over asparagus and serve immediately.