Forget the potatoes, forget the corn, and instead, try some asparagus – these recipes will make you fall in love with this vegetable!
I grew up on vegetables, as my father was an avid gardener. I ate my share of tomatoes, beans, and peppers, among other things. However, I wasn’t familiar with some vegetables that he did not produce in our little garden. When I became an adult, a wide world of culinary treats opened up to me. I tried all sorts of recipes with vegetables, including asparagus.
That was the surprising treat! I learned that asparagus is quite a yummy vegetable.
Preparing delicious asparagus recipes
Of all the veggies that I try on a consistent basis, recipes that include asparagusare the most interesting. This vegetable has a particularly nutty flavor that can enhance any entrée.
So, without further introduction, here are a few recipes that can speak for themselves:
1. Roasted Asparagus
Let me start with a simple selection. This is one asparagus recipe that I use all the time. This option brings out a nutty and hearty taste that compliments all sorts of proteins. It’s also a great accompaniment to potatoes.
- Asparagus stalks (as many as you like, say 8-10 maybe)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut stalks about 4-5 inches from the bottom. Use the top portions. Toss the stalks in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then line them in a glass baking dish. Sprinkle liberally with parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
2. Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus
This one is a great selection for summer BBQs. You can even opt to start up the grill and make a smorgasbord of grilled veggies. Either way, this recipe is super tasty.
- Asparagus stalks (rough ends trimmed, 8-10 stalks)
- Pancetta or bacon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- Tbsp. mustard
- Tbsp. Olive oil
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- Thyme
First, trim off 4-5 inches from the bottom of each asparagus. These ends are usually really tough and hard to chew. Unwrap pancetta and lay flat. Place one asparagus on top of each piece of pancetta. Center the asparagus on the pancetta.
Roll the asparagus in the pancetta, trying to cover most of the stalk except the tip. Refrigerate for an hour to help the pancetta stick to the asparagus. Fire up the grill about 15 minutes before cooking. Mix orange juice, zest, and mustard together.
Then drizzle olive oil into the mixture. Place asparagus on the grill and brush with the citronette mixture. Grill for 4-7 minutes, turning occasionally and seasoning with salt and pepper until done. Pour the remaining citronette mixture into a serving dish and sprinkle with thyme.
Place asparagus on top and sprinkle a bit more thyme for added flavor.
3. Thai asparagus skillet
If you’re interested in something different for a change, try a Thai inspired asparagus dish like this one. It’s simple and nutritious, packed with layers of flavor.
- Asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch sections.)
- 2 cups of Kale
- 2 tsp. fish sauce or soy sauce
- 6-8 mushrooms
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- Tsp oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Balsamic vinegar to taste
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet. Add mushrooms and saute for 4-6 minutes on medium heat. Next, add asparagus, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until your sautee has developed a crisp texture.
Add the Kale and cook until the greens are wilted. This should take an additional 2-4 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and add balsamic and fish or soy sauce. You can also add sesame seeds for texture.
4. Asparagus and eggs
Here’s a recipe you can enjoy at any meal. Asparagus and eggs are a perfect selection for brunch or even for a traditional style breakfast choice. You can also enjoy this option as a sidekick to a hearty protein and other veggies. Take a look!
- Asparagus (with bottom portions trimmed)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1-2 eggs
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat asparagus with olive oil and then roast for about 10-15 minutes or until tender. Cook balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucepan until it becomes thick like a syrup. This should take around 6 minutes.
Cook eggs however you like and remove from heat. Now, assemble your meal with roasted asparagus topped with egg and drizzled with the syrupy balsamic sauce. This is a simple, yet tasty treat.
5. Asparagus soup
Now for something a bit warm and cozy. This asparagus recipe is simple, yet brings you a different take on the vegetable. Honestly, this one is new to me as well. Let’s indulge in this comfort food, shall we…
- Asparagus (as many as you like- maybe 10-15)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 shallot
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Potatoes (2-3, chopped)
- 2 tbsp whole cream
Remember to trim asparagus and then cut off tips for this recipe. Boil 6 cups of water. Add salt and asparagus tips, blanching until the tips are bright green (2-3 minutes). Remove asparagus and place in an ice bath. To the same boiling water, add half the shallot and half the garlic clove.
Boil the water and trimmings again and then reduce to simmer. This will create a simple stock. In a saucepan saute the other half shallot and garlic clove in olive oil. Meanwhile, add chopped potatoes into the stock and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Then add the remainder of asparagus and the sauteed garlic and shallot. Remove from heat and puree in the blender. Then add your whole cream to finish the soup. Season as needed.
Now! Try these out for yourself
There are many more asparagus recipes to try. All it takes is utilizing your imagination to create some fantastic versions at home. I hope you enjoy these recipes and share them with your friends as well. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions as well. 😊
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