Asparagus With Soft-Boiled Eggs & Anchovy Bread Crumbs

Directions

1. Add the water to a stockpot, cover, and set over high heat to come to a boil. When it starts bubbling, add the salt.
2. While the water heats up, make the anchovy bread crumbs. Tear the bread into pieces and add to the bowl of a food processor (yes, keep those crusts—they add color and flavor). Pulse until you have mostly-fine bread crumbs; some unevenness is nice.
3. Add the olive oil to a large nonstick pan and set on the stove over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the anchovies. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the bread crumbs, tossing in the anchovy oil to completely coat. Toast for about 7 minutes—stirring occasionally and lowering the heat as needed—until the bread crumbs are golden-brown and crisp. Turn off the heat.
4. When the salted water is boiling, cook the asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stalk, until it’s slightly firmer than you’d like. Carryover cooking will take care of the rest. When the asparagus are done, remove with tongs to a colander to drain.
5. Let the water return to a boil, then carefully add the eggs (a slotted spoon works well), and immediately set a 6-minute timer. Fill a small bowl with some ice cubes and cold water. When the timer goes off, transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Peel the eggs—doing this in the water makes things much easier.
6. Assemble on individual plates or a big platter: Top the asparagus with the eggs, then use a fork to smash them into big, uneven chunks. Drizzle with olive oil and top with a pinch of flaky salt. Sprinkle with anchovy bread crumbs. Dab some chile paste onto the broken eggs. Serve warm or at room temperature—with the rest of the anchovy bread crumbs and more chile paste alongside, so everyone can add more of each while they’re eating.