When you are purchasing asparagus, look for firm, fresh, spears with closed, compact tips and uniform diameter and color.It does not matter whether the spears are thin or thick, different varieties have different diameters.
The spear on the left has a compact tip, the one on the right has begun to bud. If left in the ground each bud would branch out and develop a fern-like appearance.
For more kitchen tips, visit Kitchen Tip Tuesday.
Asparagus is a favorite in our household, but some people find asparagus bitter. The sweetness of the basil in the following recipe neutralizes the harsher tones of asparagus.
Herbed Asparagus
1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 green onions, diced
1 teaspoon agave nectar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh
dash of pepper
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add green onions; cook 2 minutes. Add asparagus, agave, pepper and lemon zest. Cook for about 5 minutes, until asparagus is tender, yet still slightly crisp. Add basil; cook for one minute more. Serve immediately.
Compilation of Asparagus Recipes
I am collecting asparagus recipes in anticipation of our crop this spring. Below are some recipes that either I use or readers have shared. If you have a favorite asparagus recipe, leave it or a link to it in the comment section and I will add it to the list.
Side Dish Recipes with Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus from Dark side of the Fridge – If you’re in an area where grilling is an option, one of our absolute favorite things to do with asparagus is to just coat spears in some olive oil, salt & pepper and maybe a little minced garlic, then grill it carefully – I like to use a sheet of aluminum foil on the grill. It’s so simple, and so tasty!
Debbie from Dining with Debbie loves to mix the green, white and purple varieties for grilled asparagus. It makes for a really pretty dish.
MoPane at Art of Adventure likes to simmer asparagus with water, a splash of lemon juice, some ginger, pepper and garlic.
Her father prefers his vegetables a little more decadent, so he usually oven roasts his asparagus with a drizzle of butter. When the asparagus is just cooked, he tops them with a little bit of fancy cheese or cheese spread and broils it for a few minutes. He’ll also add some walnuts or pine nuts every so often for some crunch. It’s a lot less healthy, but definitely good!
Going Green for Mimi likes to bake asparagus with chopped up garlic, salt and a bit of oil. It takes about 15-20 minutes on 375 or 400.
She also makes a tomato/asparagus salad with it. I steam the asparagus a bit, but try to keep a little bit of the crunch. I let it cool and then mix it with tomatoes, and sometimes mozzarella cheese (fresh). Then I add dressing. I usually just make an oil and vinegar dressing. Mix it up and serve it cold. You can add anything to it like onion, pasta, basil, anything works. 🙂
Complete Meals With Asparagus
Asparagus And Chicken Casserole
For more delicious recipes, visit Tuesdays at the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and Tasty Tuesday.
Alea says
Yes, the agave nectar is to sweeten it. Since buying the agave ($2.99 for a bottle of organic agave nectar at Trader Joe's) I have heard mixed reports about it. I think if you don't already have it in your pantry, you should research it before you decide to try it.
Going Green for Mimi says
This recipe looks great! I've never used agave nectar before though, is that to sweeten it?
I like to bake asparagus with chopped up garlic, salt and a bit of oil. It takes about 15-20 minutes on 375 or 400. I also make a tomato/asparagus salad with it. I steam the asparagus a bit, but try to keep a little bit of the crunch. I let it cool and then mix it with tomatoes, and sometimes mozzarella cheese (fresh). Then I add dressing. I usually just make an oil and vinegar dressing. Mix it up and serve it cold. You can add anything to it like onion, pasta, basil, anything works. 🙂
Alea says
Steady Plodder, I just started working on a post about how I keep our grocery budget under $100.00 a week, while eating a special diet. My daughter and I are celiacs, I say gluten intolerant because it is easier for people to correlate the condition with the special dietary needs. My oldest son is lactose intolerant. I keep our grocery budget under control by cooking a lot of items from scratch. I also grow a lot of our veggies and fruit, which provides us with an inexpensive source of organic produce. There are a lot of gluten free products that are mainstream items (like rice chex – .75 off coupon on the side bar) and therefor do not carry the high price tag that often accompanies items that are sold as "gluten free specialty items".
See, I told you I had a posts worth here! 🙂
Linn says
Great thoughts and I’ve just retired and have the time to enhance my Whole Foods journey I started 6 yrs ago after a hospital stay from Colitis. I’m constantly learning great meals equals always planning ahead. I’ve also started Intregrative Medicine journey and that was really a game changer.
Can you share any growing tips for the starting a raised bed garden?
I have the space and also a sunroom with south & west sunlight.
Upstatemomof3 says
My husband loves asparagus!
Steady Plodder... says
I'm curious about your Gluten Free recipes. Are you gluten intolerent or Celiacs? Or do you just try to be gluten free to feel better? Just wondering. And I'm wondering if you are 100% GF, how it affects your grocery budget.
Debbie says
I have always wanted to have my own asparagus bed but never got around to it when we had our garden. Thanks for all of the great recipe ideas. I love to mix the green, white and purple varieties for grilled asparagus. It makes for a really pretty dish. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to say for Crock Pot Wednesday this week. Mister Linky is up and ready for your link. Thanks so much for joining me.
Struggler says
This looks totally yummy, I'm a huge asparagus fan and will enjoy checking out these links.
Thank you for Tweeting my door handle post!
Brenda says
I love asparagus, this looks delicious
Aimee Kieffer, aka "Momzoo" says
Thanks for all the recipes, they look yummy, I am always on the look out for goos asparagus recipes, we eat a lot of it.
mub says
I love asparagus! We used to find it and pick it wild, but I haven't found any here.