This is a really super recipe I got from the NYT and the salsa really complements the asparagus beautifully. If you can’t get the right goat cheese that crumbles easily, you can use crumbled feta cheese too.
3 bunches asparagus, approximately 1lb, woody ends trimmed and discarded
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
¼ cup capers, ideally small, drained, rinsed and patted dry
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, peeled, crushed and minced
⅓ cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped
½ cup crumbled caprino fresco cheese, or another soft goat cheese like chèvre, or crumbled feta if you can’t get the right goat cheese
Fill a medium-size pot with cold water, and place it over high heat. When the water boils, add the asparagus, and blanch for 1 minute.
Drain the asparagus, and rinse it immediately under cold water. Drain the asparagus again and place in a medium bowl, with 1 tablespoon of the oil, a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
Mix gently, and set aside.
Light a charcoal or gas grill, or place a grill pan on the stove over high heat. Once it is hot, add the asparagus in batches, and grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, turning a few times, until the spears are lightly charred. Transfer to a large platter with all the tips facing in one direction.
Meanwhile, make the salsa. Mix together the capers with the remaining tablespoon of oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic and parsley. Add the goat cheese to the mixture, stir gently and spoon over the asparagus.