RECIPE

© Miki Duisterhof

Grilled Asparagus with Mozzarella

• Recipe by Clifford Harrison and Anne Quatrano

Fresh mozzarella, which Quatrano makes in the farm's dairy, melts lightly on the just-grilled asparagus spears; lemon vinaigrette adds bite.

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2. 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
3. 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped chervil or flat-leaf parsley
4. 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
5. 1/4 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
6. 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
7. 32 large asparagus stalks (about 2 pounds), peeled
8. 1/2 pound lightly salted fresh mozzarella, cut into eight 1/2 -inch-thick slices
9. Chive blossoms, for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, shallot, chervil, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.
2. In a large skillet of boiling water, blanch the asparagus for 1 minute. Using tongs, transfer the asparagus to a plate and toss them with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 
3. Heat a grill pan over moderately high heat. Working in batches, grill the asparagus, turning, until just tender and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Divide the asparagus among 8 large plates and top each serving with a slice of mozzarella. Drizzle with the chervil vinaigrette, sprinkle with chive blossoms and serve.

Make Ahead

2 up to 4 hours ahead. Let the dressing and asparagus stand separately at room temperature.