White Asparagus in Cream
White asparagus is a prized delicacy that requires a gentler hand than its green counterpart. Grown entirely underground to prevent photosynthesis, it possesses a milder, slightly sweeter, and more delicate flavor profile. To honor this exquisite vegetable, we first poach the spears simply in water seasoned with salt and a touch of sugar to coax out their natural sweetness, before enrobing them in a profoundly rich, bacon-laced heavy cream and white wine reduction.
Serves: 4 | Total Time: 20 minutes till it’s ready
Ingredients
Asparagus Prep and Bacon
- 12 large, thick white asparagus spears, tough ends removed and bottom half peeled
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 slices thick-sliced bacon, cut into small pieces
Cream Sauce Ingredients
Instructions
Cook asparagus and bacon
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the salt and sugar.
- Carefully drop the asparagus spears into the pot. Cook until they are tender, just a couple of minutes.
- Transfer the spears to a platter, cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Fry the bacon in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to paper towels to drain. Carefully pour out as much of the bacon fat as you can.
Make sauce and serve
- Add the butter to the pan and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in vegetable stock and wine. Continue stirring, removing any bits from the bottom of the pan, until the liquid has almost completely disappeared.
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Stir in the cream, half of the cooked bacon, and the parsley.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Spoon the sauce over the asparagus. Garnish with the remaining bacon pieces and a bit more parsley.
The full recipe lives in the Vault
Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.
Join the Estate RegistryThe Heart of the Table
When we take the time to prepare a prized ingredient with this level of indulgence, we are actively rejecting the rushed, utilitarian nature of everyday life. Serving something this decadent is a purposeful, loving act that tells our friends they are worth the finest things, encouraging them to linger at the table and luxuriate in the joy of the present moment.
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Serve on warm, dark ceramic plates to provide a striking visual contrast against the pale asparagus and cream sauce. Lay three thick spears side-by-side per plate, and spoon the sauce generously over the center, allowing the crispy bacon bits to cascade down the sides.
- THE POUR: A classic, dry Riesling or a highly acidic Chenin Blanc. The high acidity and subtle fruit notes of these wines are essential to cut through the heavy cream and smoky bacon fat, refreshing the palate with every sip.
- THE VIBE: Opulent and refined. This is a spectacular, show-stopping side dish designed for a formal spring dinner party, demanding to be served alongside a beautifully seared steak or an elegant roasted pork tenderloin.