Asparagus with Tangy Mustard Dressing

Asparagus is a relative newcomer to the cast of vegetables in oriental cuisine, but there is no doubt it has won a permanent starring role in the repertoire. Its popularity is based on contrasts: properly cooked, it has a firm but soft texture, a delicate yet earthy, assertive flavour — and a brilliant colour. In this Japanese-style recipe, the asparagus is simply cooked by quickly blanching, the briefest processing possible. The mustard-ginger dressing only highlights and never intrudes up