There are many ways to enjoy and prepare this stunning vegetable- why not include perfect chargrilled asparagus in your repertoire.

The local asparagus season has arrived! Alice in frames shows us how to cook it perfectly, every time, with these few simple tips.

Cooking the perfect chargrilled asparagus

What you need:

• hot griddle pan
• fresh local asparagus
• quality salt
• fresh lemons
• quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat your griddle pan to a high temperature
2. Scatter the pan lightly with salt
3. Place your asparagus on the pan
4. Turn every 30 seconds or so, until nicely charred on all sides-it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes
5. In the meantime, zest a lemon and combine the zest with some beautiful quality extra virgin olive oil
6. Remove the asparagus from the pan
7. Drizzle over the lemon zest and olive oil
8. Season with a little more salt
9. Voila! Perfect chargrilled asparagus

Serve it:

• The perfect side dish to any fish or meat main meal.
• Add this with some poached eggs, smoked salmon and toasted sourdough for a delicious breakfast.
• Enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack.
• Add it to your favourite salad.

For more asparagus recipes visit the Australian Asparagus Council website.