How to Cook Asparagus

One of the most versatile and popular vegetables is asparagus. You can find asparagus in white, green and purple colors. This is a luxury vegetable that is high in vitamin B6 and C, folate and glutathione. The glutathione in asparagus is a great antioxidant and anti-carcinogen compound. You can find cheap and fresh asparagus in April and May. Asparagus densiflorus is really expensive in late February. If you are looking for some answers on how to cook asparagus, the following asparagus recipes will prove to be useful.

Cooking Asparagus Tips

You can buy fresh asparagus from late February till June or opt for frozen or canned asparagus in off season. You can buy asparagus according to the general rule, that is, 1.5 pounds of asparagus for 4 people. This means you will need about 8 to 10 thick asparagus sticks per person or 10 to 12 thin stalks per person. You can buy thick or thin stalks as both are equally tender and tasty. You should choose asparagus stalks with closed tips and the cut ends should not look desiccated or woody. A fresh asparagus stalk will snap immediately on bending.

You should be cooking asparagus as soon as possible and should not stock asparagus for more than 5 days in the refrigerator. You can keep asparagus fresh by keeping the asparagus bunch upright in a tall glass with about two inches of water. The tips should be covered loosely with a bag to avoid any kind of contamination. Alternately, you can wrap the stalks in a wet paper towel and place the bunch in an airtight plastic container.

How to Cook Fresh Asparagus?

How to cook asparagus is a question asked by many first timers trying fresh asparagus cooking or those who have ended up with overcooked asparagus. Well, if you are not sure about how to cook fresh asparagus, then read on. The first thing you need to do is soak the asparagus bunch in cold water and clean the stalks well. Asparagus grows in sandy soil, therefore get off all the dirt of the stalks. Then trim about 1/3rd of the asparagus, using a paring knife. This will help remove the hard, woody part of the stalks that is more fibrous. Then with the help of a vegetable peeler, peel the stalk to the size of the tip.

Fresh asparagus cooking can be done by placing or large skillet over high heat. Then add ½ cup water and add asparagus with a slice of lemon. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes till tender. Fresh asparagus recipes also includes grilling. You can preheat grill and oil the rack lightly. Then place the asparagus directly over the grill on medium heat and cook till brown. Turn the asparagus occasionally and continue to cook for about 6 minutes.

You can even try cooking asparagus recipes that involves roasting. You can preheat the oven to 500º F and spread asparagus on the baking sheet. Coat the asparagus stalks with 2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and roast. Turn once when halfway through. Cook for 10 minutes till the asparagus is wilted and browned. There are many microwave cooking asparagus recipes like arranging asparagus in a round baking dish. The tips should be placed towards the center. Then add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the dish. Cook the asparagus on high power for 8 minutes, till crisp and tender.

Fresh Asparagus Recipes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Method of Preparation

The tough ends of asparagus should be snapped off. Cook asparagus for 6 to 8 minutes, covered in a small amount of boiling water till crisp and tender. Drain the water and arrange asparagus spears in serving dish and keep warm.

Now, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat and add flour. Stir till a smooth consistency has been reached. Gradually add chicken broth and half-and-half. Stir constantly and cook till thickened and bubbly. Whisk in mustard, lemon juice, and pepper in the thickened sauce. Then, spoon sauce over asparagus. Serve immediately.

This was a little in sight on how to cook asparagus. Asparagus is a very easy to cook vegetable that is not fussy and can be cooked very quickly. This is one healthy vegetable and you can try many cooking asparagus recipes which can be savored with joy. I hope this article has helped you learn how to cook asparagus.