Braised Asparagus

SERVES 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and peeled
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Directions

1. Set a 12-inch straight-sided saute pan over high heat.
2. Add oil to saute pan; heat until barely smoking.
3. Add asparagus in a single layer to saute pan; season asparagus with salt and black pepper. Cook asparagus without moving until lightly browned, about 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Shake saute pan and continue cooking asparagus for 1 to 1 ½ minutes more.
4. Add butter and stock to saute pan; cover pan. Continue cooking asparagus, covered, for about 7 to 10 minutes, until asparagus is tender and butter and stock have emulsified and reduced to a shiny glaze. Note: If stock has completely evaporated, you can top asparagus with a few tablespoons of water.