ASPARAGUS WITH CITRUS AND OREGANO

ASPARAGUS WITH CITRUS AND OREGANO image

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 oranges, preferably navel
6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 tsp. dried oregano
2 scallions, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,
to taste
16 stalks large green asparagus (about 1 lb.)

Steps:

1. Zest 1 of the oranges; set zest aside. Slice off the ends of each orange. Working with one orange at a time, set an orange on end; with a small knife, slice off and discard the peel and the white pith. Holding the orange in your hand, use a knife to cut the orange segments away from their membranes (see Three Chef's Techniques.) Place segments in a bowl and set aside. Over a separate bowl, squeeze the remaining orange pulp to extract any remaining juice. Repeat with second orange. Whisk 4 tbsp. oil, lemon juice, oregano, and scallions into orange juice and season with salt and pepper; set dressing aside. 2. Cut off about 1" from the tough end of the asparagus and transfer asparagus to a 9" x 13" microwavable baking dish. Sprinkle asparagus with reserved orange zest and drizzle with remaining oil and 1⁄4 cup water. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high heat for 2 minutes. Rotate dish and microwave until asparagus is just tender, about 2 minutes more. Uncover and drain off cooking liquid. Toss asparagus with reserved citrus dressing and season with salt. Top with orange segments. Serve immediately or at room temperature.