Cold Asparagus with a Chinese Dressing

Recipe from Madhur Jaffrey’s World Vegetarian

You won’t believe how delicious this simple recipe is. The asparagus is barely cooked and retains its bright green color.

* 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimed, cut into thirds at a slight angle, and left to soak in water for 15 minutes

For the dressing:

* 4 tsp. soy sauce
* 1 tsp. sugar
* 1 tsp. Chinese Shao Hsing wine or dry sherry (I used mirin)
* 2 tsp. red wine vinegar
* 1 tsp. dark sesame oil (or less, to taste)
* 1 garlic clove, peeled and lightly crushed but whole

Drain the asparagus. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and put the asparagus in for just one minute. Drain and run under cold water. Drain again. Leave in a colander.

Mix all the ingredients for the dressing. Just before serving, put the asparagus into a bowl. Remove the garlic from the dressing and toss the dressing with the asparagus.

Serves 4