Tara, I’ve got a bundle of asparagus, what should I make? You ask, I answer! This Tuesday is Ingredient Tuesday + we are using another one of my favorite ingredients! Spring is in the air + that means bright green asparagus in the stores, farmers markets, and in your kitchen! Asparagus can get so boring, but it doesn’t have to! Let’s do this.
Tara’s Tuesday Tips:
Ingredient Idea: Asparagus
Asparagus can be a fabulous side dish or the star of the plate. You can boil it, blanch it, air fry it, sauté it, even serve it cold in a salad. Sometimes, asparagus gets a bad reputation for being tasteless, mushy, or difficult to cook. However, asparagus is one of those spring foods that will not disappoint, so grab yourself a bundle + let’s cook.
What to do With a Bundle of Asparagus
With 3 grams of protein in 1 cup, only around 30 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, lots of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, iron, folate, and riboflavin, asparagus is a nutrition powerhouse. The high fiber + protein content, alongside the low calorie count, makes asparagus a long been known to be sought after veggie by the healthiest of eaters looking to increasing nutritional content while consuming a food that supports optimal digestive health. If you too are looking to increase your intake of these green stalks of awesome, read on to find new ways to enjoy this springtime wonder.
2 Ways to Roast Asparagus
In the oven or in the air fryer. Both yield a flavorful, crispy crunch while still retaining flavor. Air frying asparagus is quicker + easier, in my opinion. Check out my instructions for air frying: Oil Free Air Fryer Asparagus or oven roasting: Oven Roasted Asparagus.
Steaming Asparagus
Steaming is a great way to eat asparagus that is sure to help retain all of the vitamins this veggie has to offer! It really is easy to do. Wash and dry them thoroughly, cut or break the bottom woody parts off of the bottom. Next boil a pot of water, once boiling, place them in a steamer basket, steam for 5 minutes, remove from heat. If you are using a microwave, place the washed asparagus (woody bottoms removed) onto a microwave safe plate, add a little water to the bottom of the plate, cover and cook on high for 3 minutes, carefully remove from the microwave and let sit covered for 2 minutes, remove cover, flavor + eat!
Blanch it!
This is the best thing to do if you want to freeze extras or for use in a cold salad or noodle dish. Simply boil a pot of water, while the water boils, prepare a large bowl with ice water. Wash every spear + remove the woody parts off the bottom by cutting or breaking off the bottoms. Once the water boils, put the asparagus in for 2-3 minutes being careful to take them out while still vibrant green, immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process. Remove from the ice water after 2-3 minutes, store in a glass container in the freezer or use in your cold pasta or salad.
It’s Easy to Sauté
Simply spray a non-stick pan with olive or avocado oil. Be sure to have prepped your asparagus ahead of time by washing, fully drying, and cutting into bite size pieces. Heat the pan or wok over medium-high heat, once hot, add asparagus pieces, sauté for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender but still bright green, remove from heat. Now you can add these cooked pieces to pasta, soup, noodles, stir fry, and even as a pizza topping.
Use it In a Salad
I love love love putting this veggie in my salads! Does that sound weird to you? It shouldn’t. Asparagus does not have to be roasted and plated next to your protein to be enjoyed! I’ve created two awesome salads you need to try: Asparagus Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing and Oil-Free Balsamic Asparagus Salad.
Food For Thought
Next time you find yourself with a vibrant green bundle of these yummy spears, think of my tips + try something new! Make something you and your family will be excited about eating. Above all, enjoy homemade asparagus in the company of good people + love every single bite.
All the best,
Tara 💚 🪴👩🏻🍳
My Favorite Recipes
Asparagus Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
Oil-Free Balsamic Asparagus Salad
A Few Other Tips You Might Enjoy
Guide To Eating Seasonally In Spring
Vegetables with the Most Protein
What To Eat On Thanksgiving If You Don’t Eat Turkey
⭐️Did you love this ingredient idea? Leave a comment below, I love to hear from you! ⭐️
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