Asparagus with Sesame Seeds or Chinese Asparagus Salad

Total time: 30 minutes
    Adapted from the book of '!,000 Chinese Recipes), this is wonderful as a vegetable, on a bit of lettuce as a first course salad, or as part of a Chinese meal.  It's best served at room temperature.  

 Ingredients:

• 12oz (360gr) green asparagus
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

 Instructions:

• Snap off ends of asparagus. 
• Roll cut asparagus in 1 inch (2.5 cm) lengths. 
• Fill large saucepan half full of water and bring to a boil over high heat. 
• When boiling drop in asparagus and parboil for 2 minutes. 
• Drain and immediately rinse with cold water. 
• Spread them on paper towels and pat dry. 
• In a bowl big enough to nicely hold the asparagus mix soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. 
• Add asparagus and toss lightly to coat. 
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.  Best if allowed to sit for 15 - 30 minutes.