Ingredients
1lbthick asparagus
1cupwhole milk ricotta
1zest from lemon
1tbsplemon juice
1tbspheaping fresh parsley,chopped
⅕tspsalt
pinchfreshly ground black pepper
8slicesgood crusty bread cut from a sourdough,(½ inch thick), or country loaf
2tbspolive oil
olive oil
flaky sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
lemon wedges
Preparation
Cut off about 1 inch of the bottom end of each asparagus spear. Lay the spears on a flat surface and hold the tip.
Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin from the bottom half of each asparagus spear to expose the lighter green part of the stems under the peel.
In a deep skillet, bring 1 inch of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus, and cook at a rapid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the stalks are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.
With a slotted spoon, remove to a flat tray and blot dry with a paper towel. Cut the spears into 1 1/4-inch long pieces.
In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
et an oven shelf close to the broiler, and turn on the broiler. Place the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Toast for about 1 minute on each side, or until browned and crisp on top, but still slightly chewy in the center.
Stay near the oven and watch carefully to keep the bread from burning. The exact time depends on the distance from the broiler and the heat of the particular broiler.
Remove the toasts from the oven and brush each slice with olive oil.
Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of ricotta on each slice of bread. Top it with the asparagus. Drizzle with more olive oil, flaky sea salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.
