Gino’s grilled asparagus with a poached egg

Delight your palate with Gino D'Acampo's Grilled Asparagus with a Poached Egg, a dish that combines the crisp freshness of grilled asparagus with the rich, smooth texture of a perfectly poached egg. This recipe is a testament to Gino D'Acampo's culinary expertise, offering a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Brief Description of the Recipe

Gino D'Acampo's Grilled Asparagus with a Poached Egg is a delightful combination of lightly grilled asparagus spears topped with a tender poached egg. The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, creating a harmony of flavors that celebrate the simplicity and quality of the ingredients.

Cultural or Historical Context

This dish has its roots in Italian cuisine, where the focus is on quality ingredients and simplicity. Asparagus, a seasonal vegetable, is celebrated in various regions of Italy, especially during the springtime. The addition of a poached egg adds a luxurious texture and richness, making it a popular choice for a starter or a light meal.

Ingredients List

• Asparagus Spears (300g), thin, with woody ends removed
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (6 tbsp) for dressing and grilling
• White Wine Vinegar (3 tbsp) for poaching eggs
• Large Eggs (4), very fresh
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, for seasoning

Preparation Instructions

1. Grill the Asparagus: Preheat a griddle pan and grill the asparagus spears after coating them with olive oil until they are tender but still firm.
2. Poach the Eggs: In a saucepan with simmering water and vinegar, poach the eggs gently until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
3. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the grilled asparagus on plates, top each with a poached egg, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.

Storage and Reheating

Grilled asparagus and poached eggs are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store leftovers, keep the components separate. Asparagus can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently. Poached eggs should ideally be consumed immediately but can be stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and reheated briefly in hot water.

Nutritional Information

This dish is a healthy choice, rich in vitamins and minerals from the asparagus, and protein from the eggs. It's low in carbohydrates and can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of vinegar for poaching eggs? Yes, while white wine vinegar is recommended for its mild flavor, you can use other types of vinegar or even lemon juice as an acid to help set the egg whites.
• How can I make this dish vegan? For a vegan version, replace the egg with a vegan egg substitute or a tofu scramble, adjusting the cooking method accordingly.

Gino D'Acampo's Grilled Asparagus with a Poached Egg is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, making it a perfect dish to try at home for those who appreciate the elegance of Italian cooking. For more details, visit Gino D'Acampo's official website and Foodies Magazine​​​​.