Asparagus, a spring vegetable known for its vibrant green color and delicate flavor, takes center stage in this culinary exploration. From a classic blanching method that preserves its crispness to a flavorful roasted variation, this article presents a diverse range of recipes that cater to various culinary preferences. Discover how to craft a simple yet elegant blanched asparagus dish, perfect as a side or appetizer. Learn the art of roasting asparagus to achieve caramelized edges and a smoky aroma. Explore a unique recipe that incorporates asparagus into a refreshing salad, combining its crunch with other crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. For those seeking a hearty meal, a creamy asparagus soup recipe promises warmth and comfort with every spoonful. And finally, indulge in a delectable asparagus quiche, where the vegetable's delicate flavor blends seamlessly with a creamy custard filling encased in a flaky crust.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HOW TO COOK ASPARAGUS (ROASTED, GRILLED, OR BLANCHED!)
Got asparagus? (Lucky!) Here are three ways to make the magic happen: Roast it in the oven, char it on the grill, or blanch it on the stovetop. Whichever way you choose, it's easy and tasty as heck.
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Place in a large bowl or clean sink filled with cold water. Drop in the asparagus and swish it around to remove any errant dirt. Discard the woody ends of the asparagus by grasping the end of the spear with one hand and just above the middle with the other hand, then bend until it snaps in half. Discard the woody end.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry asparagus by rolling around on a kitchen towel. Place asparagus in large a bowl and drizzle with olive oil - about 1 tablespoon per pound of asparagus. Add a couple of pinches of salt and toss until coated. Spread the asparagus on a large rimmed sheet pan - a single layer is best! Bake, rolling the asparagus once or twice, until golden brown and tender, 15-20 minutes (check after 10 minutes if your asparagus is very thin). Add additional salt to taste. Serve.
- Preheat grill on medium-high, about 450 degrees. Place asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil - about 1 tablespoon per 1 pound of asparagus. Add a pinch of salt and toss until coated. Lay spears on the grill. Close grill for a couple of minutes then open and turn asparagus with tongs. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, turning once or twice more, until the asparagus is tender and charred in spots. Remove from grill and serve, adding more salt if desired.
- Fill a large pot about halfway with water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and a few ice cubes, then set aside. Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Using tongs, transfer asparagus to the bowl of ice water. Dunk a few times then remove from water and finish however you like - marinate in , saute in butter or olive oil, add a pinch of salt ... your choice!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 ounces, Calories 54 kcal, Sugar 2 g, Sodium 2 mg, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Carbohydrate 4 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g
BLANCHED ASPARAGUS
Plunge asparagus into rapidly boiling water, then refresh in ice water to keep them crisp-tender and bright green.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dinner Recipes Dinner Side Dishes
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Prepare 1 1/2 pounds medium-thick asparagus (see Rinse and Snap). Have a large bowl of ice water ready. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Season with 2 tablespoons coarse salt, and add asparagus; boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness).
- Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain; refrigerate until completely chilled.
HEALTHY BLANCHED ASPARAGUS
Blanching asparagus is a very simple process that creates a healthy and delicious side dish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dinner Recipes Dinner Side Dishes
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and return water to a boil. Prepare an ice-water bath. Peel lower two thirds of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler. Place asparagus in boiling water and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer asparagus to ice-water bath until cool; drain.
BLANCHED ASPARAGUS WITH TARRAGON DRESSING
Categories Dill Salad Dressing Spring
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Prepare Asparagus
- Thicker asparagus works great for this method. If using, use a vegetable peeler to peel bottom third of asparagus spears. Cook asparagus in large pot of boiling salted water until just crisp-tender. Depending on the thickness of your asparagus this could be anywhere from 1-3 minutes. Drain; and immerse in ice water bath to cool quickly. Once cold, drain again. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Pat dry; wrap in paper towels, then plastic, and refrigerate.) Tarragon Dressing This is just a suggestion, any fresh herb variation will be good... I like tarragon or basil best.
- Make Dressing
- Tarragon Dressing This is just a suggestion, any fresh herb variation will be good... I like tarragon or basil best.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, green asparagus with tightly closed tips and no woody ends.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the asparagus spears to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the asparagus spears to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the asparagus spears and pat them dry.
- Serve the asparagus spears immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Blanching asparagus is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious vegetable. Blanched asparagus can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or used in other recipes. With its slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, blanched asparagus is a versatile and healthy addition to any meal.
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