How to Prepare Asparagus

Asparagus is a widely used vegetable with innumerable health benefits. To mention a few, it contains high percentage of folacin, fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 and potassium. Also, asparagus is a healthy food for those with heart problems, mainly because of its zero cholesterol, low calorie and low sodium contents. As per studies on asparagus nutrition, serving 5.3 ounces of asparagus provides approximately 60 percent of the daily folic acid requirement of a person.

Only the young stalks of asparagus are eaten, which can be prepared by roasting, grilling and boiling. Not many people are well acquainted with making asparagus recipes. If you don't know how to prepare asparagus and are not including it in the daily menu, you and your family members are missing one of the most nutritious vegetables. Preparing asparagus is not at all difficult. And if you are fond of cooking, you can definitely make yummy asparagus recipes.

Preparing Asparagus for Different Culinary Purposes

So, you want to prepare asparagus spears for dinner. While buying them from the food stores, make sure you select firm and fresh stalks that are not dried. For making a tasty recipe, stem thickness is not a concern, unless you are purchasing fresh spears. However, to ensure less wastage during cleaning and quick cooking, you can opt for thin stalks. To make any asparagus recipe, you need to first prepare asparagus for cooking.

Prepare Asparagus for Cooking
Usually, the lower portion of the stalk is tough and not so delicious. What you can do is take only the tender section and discard the hard woody part. Remove any blemishes by using a regular peeler and wash the stalks thoroughly under running water. Now, you are done with cleaning asparagus for cooking. Prepare this asparagus by steaming, roasting or grilling, as per your preference.

Prepare Asparagus by Steaming
Steaming is the easiest way to enjoy tender asparagus and also, it tastes better than boiled recipe. In a large pan, fill about 3 cm water and bring it to a boiling temperature. While you are waiting for the water to boil, arrange the cleaned asparagus in a steamer in a single layer. Steam asparagus spears for approximately 4 - 6 minutes, until they turn soft and tender. Sprinkle lemon juice, salt, pepper and serve. Know more on how long do you cook asparagus.

Prepare Asparagus by Roasting
This method allows you to prepare asparagus in the oven. Preheat oven to 400° F. Take cleaned asparagus in a sauce pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss well, so that the spears are evenly coated with oil. To this, sprinkle chopped garlic, pepper and sea salt. Again toss the mixture and then, lay asparagus stalks in a baking tray. Roast them for 10 - 15 minutes or until they turn light brown. This roasted asparagus recipe serve best after sprinkling with lemon juice and shredded cheese.

Prepare Asparagus by Grilling
In a saucepan, add water and boil asparagus spears, strictly for 3 minutes. Immediately, transfer the partly cooked asparagus in ice-cold water. Doing so will prevent further cooking of the vegetable. Prepare the coating mixture by mixing lemon juice, pepper and sea salt. Coat asparagus spears with this dressing and keep them for 15 minutes. Heat griddle pan and over it, lay the treated asparagus in a single layer. You can grill them for 3 minutes per side. This way, you can also prepare asparagus on the stove.

These were some of the culinary tips regarding how to prepare asparagus. Once you are familiar with these methods, try making asparagus casseroles and soups. You can serve these healthy asparagus recipes as an appetizer or side dish in the main course of meals to ensure good health.