Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
Large handful of asparagus spears, trimmed (about 20 spears)
Olive oil, for cooking
1⁄2 lemon, for grilling
Anchovy dressing
1⁄4 cup/60 millilitres lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
5 anchovy fillets
1 garlic clove
METHOD
To make the dressing, blend the ingredients to a paste. Adjust the thickness with extra olive oil if you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the asparagus, lightly brush the spears with oil and cook on a hot BBQ grill until lightly charred. While grilling, add halved lemon to the grill pan.
Served slightly warm with the dressing drizzled over and halved lemon on the side.
Note: This dish is made more vibrant with the addition of garnishes such as soft-boiled eggs, olives, lemon rind and a crumble of ricotta.
Recipe from Nostrana: Flavours from my Italian Kitchen Garden by Bri DiMattina.
Published by Harper Collins New Zealand, 2023. Hardcover, $55.
This recipe features in our Kōanga Spring 2023 Edition.
Related Stories
Philippa Cameron and a Favourite Salad Recipe
Philippa is the cook on Otematata Station in the Waitaki Valley of the South Island, providing smokos and sometimes lunch to the staff of shepherds.
Jaz Mathisen’s Sourdough Bread Recipe
This is the perfect loaf to make on a slow weekend when all you crave is something hearty and nourishing.
Best Tomato & Mustard Tart Ever
My darling mum whips up this tart on a regular basis and we never complain.
Black Doris Plum, Coconut & White Chocolate Pie
This pie is the perfect mix of contrasting textures and flavours - sweet and tart, soft and crunchy.
Out Now
Twenty-Sixth Edition
Our beautiful Takurua Winter 2026 Edition is out now.



