Breakfast-Asparagus,Eggs and Bacon

Asparagus with poached egg and bacon

   

Ingredients

• 12 stalks English asparagus
• 12 rashers dry-cured streaky bacon

For the dressing

• sprig fresh tarragon
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar
• 2 free-range egg yolks
• 250g/9oz butter, clarified
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve

• 4 free-range eggs, poached according to your preference
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Preparation method

1. Preheat the grill to its highest setting. Heat a griddle pan until smoking.
   
2. Trim the asparagus stalks and blanch for one minute in boiling water. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
   
3. Place the asparagus onto the griddle pan and cook, turning occasionally until charred all over.
   
4. Place the bacon under the grill and cook, turning once, until crisp.
   
5. For the dressing, place the lemon juice, tarragon and vinegar into a non-reactive pan over a low heat until warm. Remove the tarragon sprig.
   
6. Place the egg yolks into a bowl and lightly whisk. Add the lemon and vinegar mixture and continue whisking.
   
7. Whisking constantly, gradually add the clarified butter, whisking to emulsify and create a loose mayonnaise consistency. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   
8. To serve, place three spears of asparagus onto each plate and season, to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   
9. Place an egg on top of the asparagus and place three rashers of bacon alongside.
   
10. Place a spoonful of the dressing onto each egg and dust with smoked paprika.