Asparagi alla milanese
Asparagus with fried egg
Asparagi alla milanese: Milan's asparagus with butter, Parmigiano and a fried egg
In Milan in April, when the first fat green asparagus come down from the farms of Lombardy, they are served "alla milanese": boiled until just tender, laid on a plate with melted butter and Parmigiano, and topped with a fried egg whose runny yolk becomes the sauce. It is a light lunch or a spring starter in old Milanese trattorie. Parmigiano is made with animal rennet; a vegetarian hard cheese works. For pregnant women, young children and older people, cook the yolk until firm. Chef's tip: tie the asparagus in a bundle and stand it upright in the pan so the thick stems boil while the tender tips steam.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
- 14 oz green asparaguswoody ends snapped off
- 1 tsp saltfor the water
- 1 oz butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp black pepper
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Tie 14 oz green asparagus into a bundle with string. Stand it upright in a tall pan of salted boiling water with 1 tsp salt, tips above the water, cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the stems are tender when pierced with a knife. Common mistake: overcooking; the spears should bend slightly but not flop.
7 minStep 2: Drain, untie and lay the asparagus on two warm plates. Sprinkle with 1 oz Parmigiano Reggiano or a vegetarian hard cheese.
Step 4: Put an egg on each plate, pour the browned butter over the asparagus and finish with ½ tsp black pepper.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 340 kcal
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbs
- 7 g
- Fat
- 27 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does asparagi alla milanese take?
- About 20 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
- What can I use instead of eggs?
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, left for 5 minutes (baking only; vegan).
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