- 24 asparagus spears, hard stalks removed
- bowl iced water
- olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil, or to taste
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- small handful fresh chives, chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For the asparagus, bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Add the asparagus to the water and blanch briefly.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the asparagus from the boiling water and place immediately into the iced water, then drain.
- Heat a griddle pan until very hot. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and place onto the griddle. Cook, turning occasionally, until nicely marked and browned on all sides.
- For the lemon and chive dressing, mix the juice of the lemon in a bowl with the olive oil, chopped shallot and chives and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- To serve, place six asparagus spears onto each of four plates. Dress with the lemon and chive vinaigrette.