Cold Asparagus With Sesame Mayonnaise

Back in the day, my Grandma W used to make cold asparagus with a mayonnaise dressing all the time. I remember that it was also a popular dish if we went out to  brunch somewhere. It's been years since I've had cold asparagus so this recipe from the Lost Recipes cookbook by Marion Cunningham brought back some nice memories. 

I always forget how sometimes just using a few simple ingredients can make the best dish. This recipe calls for just fresh asparagus, some mayonnaise and a bit of sesame oil. This was quick, easy and the perfect spring side dish. It's also a good "make ahead" dish and is great for taking as leftovers to work the next day.

COLD ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME MAYONNAISE

2 pounds asparagus
1/2 to 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup mayonnaise

Wash the asparagus and cut off the tough, woody bottoms of each stalk and discard.  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the asparagus. Depending on how thick the stalks are, cook for 2 to 5 minutes. To test for doneness, pick up a stalk with tongs: It should just droop slightly. Be careful not to overcook. With tongs, remove the asparagus from the water and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

To make the sesame mayonnaise, mix 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil into the mayonnaise and stir well to blend. Continue to add more oil until the flavor suits you. Serve each portion of asparagus with a scant teaspoon of mayonnaise on the side. Serves 6

Note: These were pretty big asparagus. Since it's the end of the season those nice thin spears are long gone. This worked just fine with the big spears though I did have to cook them a bit longer than recommended. You do need to watch these because they go from "slightly drooping" to "extremely limp" in no time.

Note: I am not responsible if your mind goes into the gutter here.

Comments

[Chris]

Snicker snicker.

Love this, so simple yet good. I might hit just a dusting of cayenne in mine.

[Carolyn Jung]

Oooh, the sesame oil in the mayo is an inspired touch. As a kid, my family did something similar. Only it was cold artichokes we dunked into the creamy mayo. A classic treat.

[Livin Local]

Funny how one person's classic is another's new discovery. I've never heard of this before, but with all of the ingredients in my fridge at this moment, you just provided the side dish for tonight's dinner. I'll, uh, work hard to avoid limp stalks. ;-)

[Jan]

I have a Canada Day party to go to that this would be awesome to bring. If I can't find any asparagus (it is still in the stores right now) would you recommend another veggie to use with the mayo?

[Mrs. L]

Chris - I actually like the idea of putting a little spice in the mayo.

Carolyn - I think we did artichokes too with this, I'd forgotten.

Livin Local - You'll have to let me know how you liked it.

Jan - Other than artichokes, not sure what might work. Asparagus has such an interesting taste.

[Cassaendra]

What a great idea. When we eat asparagus as a side, I usually mix a little soy sauce with mayonnaise, just enough to flavor, or use Kewpie mayonnaise. My husband will laugh when he hears about mixing in sesame oil because this is right up our alley. :D

[חדרי מלח]

It’s Yummy!! It tastes awesome, I really wonder that such a delicious dish can be prepared with simple ingredients, that too in a short while,

Dear friends, try this “Cold Asparagus with Sesame Mayonnaise” at your place also, you will definitely thank the writers Grandmother for guiding you, and also for me for forcing you to prepare it…

[חדרי מלח]

Wow looks yami. very simple and good taste. I will try to make it myself.

[אייל חנקין]

This is very very very good recipe for Cold Asparagus With Sesame Mayonnaise. i like it