Asparagus side dish

Asparagus has an interesting flavor, it is mild with an unusual earthiness. Depending on its preparation, you can have a sweet or bitter experience with this vegetable.

Low in calories and loaded with nutrition, this asparagus side dish is a perfect accompaniment to your protein of choice. In Greece, ”Asparagos” means to spring up. It is originally from Europe, Asia and North Africa. It grows in abundance alongside riverbanks and seashores.

You can prepare this vegetable in a number of ways, you can saute it, grill it or roast it. In this recipe, we chose to saute it. Using simple ingredients such as garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder and paprika spice.

What do you Need for this recipe?

Garlic, Asparagus, Salt, Pepper, Onion powder, Garlic Powder, Butter.

This recipe uses an array of spices that make the Asparagus taste creamy and butter. Garlic adds a lovely, pungent taste. And the spices such as salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika powder, garlic powder add a significant amount of flavor to the dish. Butter is optional and can be switched out for Olive oil, however the butter will make a huge difference.

Instructions

Remove the ends of the asparagus. The ends of the asparagus are tough, woody and fibrous. Finely mince your garlic. Add olive oil to your pan. Add the minced garlic. Make sure to chop your garlic finely. The garlic will coat this vegetable in a light manner, providing a very subtle flavor.

Saute the minced garlic until it reaches a state of caramelization. Add your spices to your minced garlic, cook on medium low heat for 2 minutes. Then add your asparagus and cook until it has softened.

And that’s it! It is simple and easy to prepare. It offers a ton of flavor and makes a perfect accompaniment to your main meals.

Seasoning tips for your Asparagus.

A simple seasoning such as salt, pepper, finely chopped, lemon juice and browned garlic will brighten up the flavors of the garlic.

For a spicier seasoning, consider adding onion powder, Cajun spice and going easy on the salt as onion powder tends to have a saltier taste. For a fancier experience, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, together with balsamic vinegar. You can also use chopped roasted nuts on top of the asparagus for more crunch.

Different ways to cook Asparagus

In this recipe, we demonstrated the preparation and sauteing of asparagus. This involves cooking asparagus on a pan with butter, until tender. There are also other ways to cook your asparagus.

Preparation Tips for the Asparagus side dish

The best tasting asparagus is bright green. It is recommended that you avoid using wilted asparagus that is slimy. Another crucial element in selecting asparagus is the size of the stalk. Thicker stalks will be meatier in nature, whilst thinner stalks will be tender.

Prior to cooking, it is advisable to store your asparagus in the fridge. Place it in an upright jar with an inch of water. Make sure to use your asparagus as quickly as possible, as it does not last very long in the fridge.

Remove the woody parts of the asparagus, typically located at the end of the asparagus, this is the hardest part and you cannot chew it. If you are dealing with asparagus that is much thicker in nature, you can always peel the bottom inch or two of the vegetable peeler. This will remove the outer layer.

How to Blanch Asparagus?

It involves boiling water in a deep pan. Once your water is at a rolling boil, salt your water. Then add your asparagus for 2 – 3 minutes. Then remove and add to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

How to Steam Asparagus?

Use an electric steamer or a steamer basket that sits over your pot of boiling water. Steam for 4 to 7 minutes until it is tender.

How to Roast Asparagus?

In this method, coat your asparagus with olive oil, and season with spices such as salt and pepper. For a spicier flavor profile, consider sprinkling some paprika powder on your asparagus. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until it is caramelized. This technique will produce a sweeter side dish.

How to Grill Asparagus?

Use a generous amount of butter on your pan, season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium heat for 3 to 6 minutes.

What to Serve with your Asparagus side dish?

There are so many things to serve with this side-dish! When we cook this recipe for guests, they are often surprised at the incredible taste and buttery flavor of this side-dish. Think of Grilled meat, Garlic mashed potatoes or Baked fish.