Asparagus, Radish and Soft Egg Salad

, from Issue #50.
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Asparagus, Radish and Soft Egg Salad

Combine new season asparagus, a beautifully soft cooked egg and the sharp bite of radishes to create a light and simple lunch or dinner. Add sliced, grilled chicken breasts for a more substantial meal.

INGREDIENTS

1-2 bunches slim asparagus
4 eggs
6 small radishes, very thinly sliced
handful baby salad leaves and watercress
Parmesan for shaving
12 long, slim slices baguette or sourdough, chargrilled
purchased aioli

Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Dressing: Whisk the ingredients in a bowl and season.

Snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard. Blanch in boiling salted water until crisp tender then drain and refresh in cold water. Dry on kitchen towels.

Put the eggs in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 5 minutes then cool under cold running water. Peel and cut into quarters.

To assemble: Spread the baguette with aioli. Layer with the remaining ingredients then drizzle with the dressing and a grind of pepper. Serves 4