Sauteed Asparagus with Duck Egg and Parmesan

This is adapted from one in Delia Smith’s ‘Summer Collection’.

• 225g asparagus stalks, the tougher ends snapped off
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 very fresh duck eggs
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• about 1 tbsp Parmesan shavings

1   First make the Parmesan shavings using a potato peeler. Put on one side.

2   Heat the butter and oil over a high heat, put the asparagus in carefully and turn the heat down to medium immediately . Turn the stalks around until they are all glistening and beginning to brown a little. They’ll take only about 3-4 minutes, depending on their thickness.

Asparagus in the hot butter/oil mix

3   When they are done, turn the heat off, add the balsamic vinegar and keep them warm.

Duck egg ready to poach and the snapped off stalks (to pop into stock)

4   Now poach the eggs. Into boiling water put 1 tbsp white wine vinegar and swirl the water prior to adding the eggs. Poach to suit your taste (I like the yolks sticky not too runny)  Delia Smith suggests fried eggs, hen or quail.

Balsamic added and asparagus being kept warm

5   Arrange the asparagus onto warmed plates, top with a poached egg, pour the juices over and add the Parmesan shavings.

Sauteed Asparagus with Duck Egg and Parmesan a la Delia Smith

6   Enjoy this simple and stunning summer meal!