FRIED ASPARAGUS AND MIXED GREEN SALAD

Fried Asparagus and Mixed Green Salad image

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/4 cup cake flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup ice-cold water
20 asparagus spears, each trimmed to 4 inches
5 cups mixed baby greens

Steps:

Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Add enough vegetable oil to heavy large saucepan to reach depth of 4 inches. Heat to 350°F.
Meanwhile, sift flour, baking powder and salt into large bowl. Add ice-cold water and whisk just until blended.
Dip 1 asparagus spear into batter, then add to oil. Repeat with 4 more asparagus spears. Fry until crisp, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, transfer asparagus to paper towels. Repeat with remaining asparagus and batter in 3 mire batches.
Toss greens in large bowl with enough dressing to coat. Mound salad on 4 plates. Arrange asparagus around salads in spoke fashion and serve.