Batter Fried Asparagus With Herb Or Lemon Dipping Sauces

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 24 -30 fresh asparagus spears, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup dry wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• kosher salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• cayenne pepper, to taste
• corn or vegetable oil
• 2 -3 tablespoons chopped herbs (chervil, tarragon, parsley and chives)
• 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise

Recipe

• 1 after cutting off the tough stems of the asparagus, wash well and pat dry with paper towels.
• 2 place oven rack in the middle position; preheat oven to 200°f
• 3 in a bowl wide enough to easily batter-coat the spears, add the flour, egg, wine, lemon zest, onion powder, celery salt, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. whisk together until well blended; batter should be on the thickish side. let sit at least one (1) hour.
• 4 for the dipping sauces:.
• 5 herb: mix all of the herbs with the mayonnaise, season to taste. chill, covered, until ready to serve.
• 6 lemon: stir together all the ingredients in a small bowl. chill, covered, until ready to serve
• 7 blanch the asparagus spears in boiling water. drain, immediately run very cold water over them; blot dry on paper towels and set aside.
• 8 heat 3 inches oil in a 3 to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until it registers 375°f on a deep-fat thermometer. (cook's tip: remember to return the oil to 375°f between batches of asparagus.).
• 9 dip the asparagus spears one-at-a-time in the batter - coat completely. gently lower the spear into the hot oil. repeat with remaining asparagus spears, but do not crowd. cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning with a slotted spoon until lighlty golden.
• 10 remove each asparagus spear with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet; if desired, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. keep warm in the pre-heated oven for up to 20 minutes.
• 11 serve warm with one or both of the dipping sauces.