8 New Ways to Cook Asparagus
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Prep Tip #1: Don't Snap It
Most recipes tell you to snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears, but that method yields a lot of waste. Instead, use a paring knife to trim off about an inch at the bottom, and use a vegetable peeler to strip away the tough outer layer on the bottom half of the stalk.
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Prep Tip #2: Thickness Matters
While most home cooks assume that thick asparagus is more mature and tougher, that's not necessarily the case. Some asparagus stalks grow slender; others fat, regardless of "age."
But the two can't always be used interchangeably in recipes. Thick asparagus (larger than the width of your thumb) is best when roasted or grilled, and might need additional cooking time in certain recipes.
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Simple Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Wondering how to roast asparagus? It's easy.
Prep asparagus, rinse and pat dry. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and roll the spears around to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until asparagus is just tender and beginning to brown, 15-20 minutes. Top it with lemon zest, lemon juice or Parmesan cheese.
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Grilled Pizza with Asparagus Recipe
Asparagus on pizza? Absolutely. This vegetarian pizza recipe has tons of great flavor, thanks to caramelized onion and sun-dried tomato. Get the recipe.
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Penne with Asparagus and Mushrooms Recipe
A bit of bacon and just two tablespoons of cream add the right amount of richness to this simple pasta and asparagus dish without train-wrecking the calories. Fresh spring asparagus and cremini mushrooms are the real stars. Get the recipe.
Photo courtesy of writes4food.com
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Asparagus and Crab Crepes Recipe
Sounds like a high-end restaurant dish, but this crepe recipe is easy to prepare for even a casual meal at home. Make this for a spring brunch or light supper.
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Spring Tortellini with Asparagus Recipe
Use store-bought cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) as the basis for this spring pasta dish. Think of the pasta as the sidekick, and use more vegetables--asparagus and peas--than you normally would if you're watching calories. Get the recipe.
Photo courtesy of writes4food.com
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Roasted Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipe
We love the flavor combination of asparagus, arugula and cherry tomatoes with a light lemony dressing. Get the recipe.
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Broccoli, Asparagus and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Easy, cheesy and surprisingly low in calories (just 141 per serving), this vegetable casserole recipe is a great way to sneak more veggies into your family's diet.
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Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
This elegant asparagus recipe is perfect as a party appetizer, and is a standout at brunch.
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8 Healthy Asparagus Recipes
by Bryn Mooth, Food Writer
While asparagus is available mostly year-round at the grocery store, spring is when this long, lean vegetable really shines. Asparagus is harvested in April through July in most of the U.S., and that's when it's at its peak of nutrition and flavor. (In-season, it's also less expensive.)
Asparagus is high in antioxidants and fiber. If you don't consider yourself a fan, you've probably encountered mushy, canned or overcooked asparagus. But asparagus doesn't need a lot of cooking to be just plain delicious.
Here are two tips to make any asparagus you cook better--plus eight NEW ways to enjoy this spring staple.
Start Slideshow
Prep Tip #1: Don't Snap It
Most recipes tell you to snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears, but that method yields a lot of waste. Instead, use a paring knife to trim off about an inch at the bottom, and use a vegetable peeler to strip away the tough outer layer on the bottom half of the stalk.
