Swedish Grilled White Asparagus with Hollandaise

Introduction

Swedish-style grilled white asparagus is the perfect way to enjoy delicate spring flavors with rich, buttery hollandaise. Grilling the asparagus on the Arteflame flat cooktop gives them an even caramelization without burning, enhancing their natural sweetness. This dish is elegant, simple, and packed with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, it's a true showstopper that complements any meal. Let's fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients

• 1 lb white asparagus, trimmed and peeled
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the cooktop is ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the asparagus

1. Trim and peel the white asparagus.
2. Brush them lightly with melted butter.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Grill the asparagus

1. Place asparagus on the hot griddle cooktop close to the center.
2. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Move asparagus to a cooler section if cooking too quickly.
4. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before removing from the grill.

Step 4: Make the Hollandaise sauce

1. Place egg yolks, water, and white wine vinegar in a heatproof bowl.
2. Set the bowl near the edge of the Arteflame cooktop to create indirect heat.
3. Whisk constantly while slowly drizzling in melted butter.
4. Continue whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth.
5. Season with a pinch of salt and cayenne, if using.
6. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 5: Serve

1. Arrange grilled asparagus on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle generously with Hollandaise sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped chives.
4. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

• Use fresh, firm white asparagus for the best results.
• Control the heat by moving the asparagus to different zones on the grill.
• Whisk the hollandaise constantly to prevent curdling.
• Adjust the tanginess of the sauce with more or less vinegar and lemon juice.

Variations

1. Grilled White Asparagus with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on the asparagus before serving.
2. Spicy Hollandaise: Add a dash of smoked paprika and cayenne to the sauce for extra heat.
3. Garlic Butter Asparagus: Infuse the melted butter with minced garlic before brushing on the asparagus.
4. Citrus Zest Hollandaise: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the hollandaise for a fresh twist.
5. Herb-Infused Asparagus: Sprinkle fresh thyme or dill on the asparagus while grilling.

Conclusion

Grilling white asparagus on the Arteflame grill brings out rich, caramelized flavors that pair perfectly with smooth, buttery hollandaise sauce. This Swedish-inspired dish is a fantastic side for any meal and will impress your guests with its refined taste and perfect texture. Enjoy the simplicity of grilling everything on the Arteflame and experience the incredible flavors it creates!

Best pairings

• Grilled salmon or seared steak
• Butter-basted grilled potatoes
• A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
• Rustic sourdough bread