Asparagus is a delightful spring vegetable that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s versatile and can be prepared in numerous ways, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire. Here are three different examples of how to cook seasonal asparagus that you can easily incorporate into your meals.
Roasting asparagus enhances its natural sweetness and adds a crispy texture, making it a perfect side dish for dinner.
To prepare roasted asparagus with parmesan, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a bunch of fresh asparagus, wash it, and trim the woody ends. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top while it’s still hot. Serve immediately as a complement to grilled chicken or fish.
This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining asparagus with mushrooms and a savory sauce.
Begin by washing and trimming a bunch of asparagus, cutting them into 2-inch pieces. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms (about 1 cup) and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to brown. Next, add the asparagus to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. For flavor, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger in a bowl, then pour this mixture over the vegetables. Toss to combine and cook for another minute. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.
This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics or as a light lunch, featuring seasonal asparagus and a zesty lemon dressing.
Start by cooking 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, wash and trim a bunch of asparagus and blanch it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until bright green. Immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, asparagus, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. For the dressing, whisk together the juice of one lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
With these examples of how to cook seasonal asparagus recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious vegetable in various ways that suit any occasion!