How To Cook AsparagusLearn how to cook asparagus - it's easy to steam, boil or grill delicious fresh asparagus.
Asparagus is a good source of folic acid – vital for pregnant women – potassium, and vitamins A and C. Eat your fresh asparagus as soon as possible after cutting, as it soon wilts and loses its flavour if stored. If you have to keep it, use within two days and keep it in the bottom of the fridge with dampened kitchen paper around the cut ends to keep them fresher. How to boil or steam asparagusWash the asparagus gently, making sure you rinse any sandy soil from the tips. Trim off the root ends and scrape off any tough-looking scales from the stems - you can leave these in place if the spears are slender and young.Ideally, use a proper asparagus pan, which is tall and narrow. Tie the stems in a loose bundle and stand them upright in the pan, so the stems are immersed in water while the tender tips are steamed. Few of us have such well-equipped kitchens, so failing that, use a pan that's big enough for the asparagus to be covered in water. Bring the water to the boil, plunge the spears in and simmer until the stems are just tender to the point of a knife. This can take anything from 5-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the stems. Drain well. The drawback of boiling asparagus like this, is that the tips can end up waterlogged and the water drains out on the plate - or as you bite - and dilutes any sauce or dressing. Steaming asparagus is a better option. Use a steamer, place the prepared stems in the top with boiling water below and steam until tender, 5-15 minutes depending on size. How to cook asparagus: grilled asparagus recipeGrilled asparagus is delicious, as the direct heat really brings out the flavour. Heat the grill, brush the prepared asparagus lightly with oil and grill, turning, until the stems are tender and beginning to show brown. You can use this method with a BBQ grill, or using the grill/broiler in your oven.How to cook asparagus: roast asparagusHeat the oven to 180C/350F/gas 4. Rub the prepared asparagus with olive oil and arrange on an oiled baking tray. Roast until the stems are tender. Slim stems will cook quickly, so check after 10 mins and every 5 mins after that. Find out more about making roasted vegetables.Serving asparagusThe healthiest way to enjoy fresh asparagus is just at it comes, 6-8 spears per person, with a light drizzle of olive oil or melted organic butter and a dash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Fresh asparagus is also delicious topped with a poached egg, and is great in recipes for stir fries, salads, soups and quiches.Go from How To Cook Asparagus to Easy Healthy Recipes.
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