Mallorcan asparagus salad

Ingredients for 3 servings:

• 500 g asparagus, white, fresh
• 3 tsp salt
• 3 tsp sugar
• 50 g butter
• 3 tbsp cooking water from the asparagus
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, lighter
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 3 tbsp liqueur (Hierbas – herbal liqueur from the Balearic Islands)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch(s) pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 slice(s) white bread, crust removed and cut into small cubes
• 30 g butter for frying the bread cubes
• 1 pinch of salt for the butter for frying
• 2 medium-sized eggs, hard-boiled
• 6 small radishes
• 1 bunch of chives (small bunch)

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 35 minutes; Total time approx. 55 minutes

the noble vegetable in Mediterranean accompaniment

Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot with the salt, sugar, and butter. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired firmness and the thickness of the asparagus spears. Please ensure that the asparagus does not become too soft, as this is a salad. Then remove the vegetables from the water and drain well. Hard-boil the eggs, rinse them, and finely chop them once they have cooled. Prepare the vinaigrette by mixing the specified amounts of asparagus water, vinegar, orange juice, liqueur oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Trim and wash the radishes, and cut them into very thin slices. Wash the chives and cut them into rolls. Once cooled, cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and gently toss them together in a large bowl with the radish slices and chives. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and mix gently again. Then let it rest for a short while. During this resting time, toast the white bread cubes in a pan with salt and butter until golden brown, then drain the fat on a paper towel. To serve, prepare a decorative platter and arrange the asparagus salad on it. Top with the chopped eggs and cooled bread cubes. A semi-dry white wine or ice-cold Cava makes a wonderful accompaniment.