Asparagus Steamed in a Paper Bag

• medium asparagus, trimmed↗1 lb
• extra virgin olive oil↗
• lemon, very thinly sliced↗1⁄2 ½
• bay leaf↗1 1
• sea salt↗
• black pepper↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350° with rack placed in the center position.

2. 2

   Place asparagus in a brown paper bag large enough to hold the asparagus comfortably.

3. 3

   Drizzle with oil to prevent the bag from burning.

4. 4

   Add the lemon slices and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Close the bag by folding it over several times and creasing the folds well to retain the steam in the bag.

6. 6

   Place bag on a baking sheet, and drizzle with more olive oil.

7. 7

   Bake for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Shake bag a few times before carefully opening; transfer asparagus to platter.

9. 9

   Drizzle with more oil; serve immediately.