TASTE’s ultimate guide to cooking asparagus (plus 5 inspired recipes)
Tender asparagus can add a flavour sensation to your dinner table. Learn how to cook asparagus perfectly, what to pair it with, then try Abigail Donnelly’s inventive new recipes starring the spear. That is, if you don’t like it raw.
Cooking asparagus can be a tricky affair. If you overcook it it loses its flavour and becomes either bitter or slightly sour. For this reason, the first thing you need to learn is how to cook asparagus perfectly.
COOKING ASPARAGUS
It’s best to eat asparagus while it’s in season, still crisp and full in flavour. Here’s your guide to cooking it perfectly.
Blanched
Tie asparagus in a bundle with kitchen string. Boil in salted water for 2–4 minutes (depending on size) until tender, then plunge into ice-cold water. It should still be bright green and slightly crunchy.
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Asparagus dip[/caption]
Chargrilled
Drizzle with olive oil and grill in a hot griddle pan until slightly charred.
Raw
Toss into your favourite salad or serve as crudités with dips.
Roasted
Drizzle with olive oil, then roast on a baking tray for 20 minutes.
Steamed
Place in a steamer, cover and steam for 3 minutes. Enjoy with creamy Hollandaise sauce.
5 WAYS
Asparagus crystal rolls
Make these pretty parcels of deliciousness using Woolworths crystal spring roll kits.
Asparagus-and-blue cheese bake with egg
This satisfying bake can be made in just 20 minutes. If Gorgonzola is not your thing or you don’t have any on hand, use cubed feta instead.
Asparagus soup
This delicately flavoured soup is delicious served hot or cold.
Asparagus dip
Add pizzazz to your table with this simple dip. Serve with crackers, thin slices of fresh or toasted baguette, or quartered, toasted pita breads.
Asparagus with chunky tartare sauce and apple matchsticks
Apples add a fresh crunch to this refreshing salad, and pair perfectly with asparagus.
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