How do I fix fresh asparagus?

Question

Any simple recipe will do.

Answer 1

Hi !!!
Here is my favorite "simple" recipe...ENJOY!!!

Asparagus with Red Pepper Mayonnaise

SERVES: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound medium asparagus, trimmed
1/2 cup drained bottled roasted red peppers (pimientos)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:
In a medium skillet, combine the asparagus and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil over moderately high heat and cook until the water is evaporated, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, puree the red peppers in a food processor. Add the mayonnaise and process until blended. Season with salt and black pepper and transfer to a small bowl.
Add the oil to the asparagus and sauté over moderately high heat, turning until lightly colored, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter and serve with the red pepper mayonnaise.

-----------AND...

Asparagus Softly Touched with Sour Cream

Estimated Times
Preparation Time 14 mins.
Cooking Time 18 mins.

1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Trim off the tough ends of asparagus spears; remove the scales with a knife. Place in a pot and cook, covered, in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender-crisp; drain. Arrange the asparagus spears on a serving dish and keep warm. In the top of a double boiler combine sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise. Heat over boiling water, stirring frequently. Pour over the warm asparagus.

Serving Size: 6

Answer 2

What works for me is to cook them very lightly and then season lightly. This way you can enjoy the natural flavor of the fresh asparagus, especially if it's organic. Definitely do not overcook - too much heat can destroy the flavor and even make it a little bitter.

Here are three simple ways, quick and easy:

(1) Steam them lightly, 1 - 2 min. and then season with butter or olive oil; a bit of salt and pepper if you like, maybe a touch of other dried herbs (e.g. parsley), maybe a touch of garlic powder too. Fresh parsley is even better if you have it, add at the end.

(2) If you don't have a steamer, boil some water, turn off the stove when the water comes to a boil, and THEN put in the asparagus. Let it sit for a minute or two. Pull out and season as above

(3) Quickly stir-fry on high heat, maybe for a minute or two. Olive oil works really well. Season as you please. You can also stir fry crushed garlic with it. Cut the spears in half for this method.

Enjoy!

Answer 3

You will never eat fresh asparagus any other way after this -

Wash them & bend the stems to see where they naturally break. Place on baking sheet; drizzle x-virgin olive oil over; Kosher or sea salt; fresh ground black pepper: a squirt or 2 of fresh lemon juice. Roast in 400 degree oven approx. 7 minutes (depending on how thin stalks are) turn and roast another few minutes - be careful not to over cook.

I have not had asparagus any other way since discovering this about 5 years ago - now I want to make some :-)

Answer 4

So many ways, here is one:

Asparagus with Lemon-Mustard Dressing

12 fresh asparagus spears, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (light is o.k.)
1 tablespoon brown mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, divided

Blanch the asparagus in lightly salted boiling water for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; do not overcook. Remove from heat and refresh under cold water; drain well. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard and lemon juice; blend well. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel; set aside.

Divide asparagus between 2 individual serving plates. Spoon 2 tablespoons dressing over top of each serving; sprinkle each with 1/4 teaspoon lemon peel. Garnish with carrot strips and edible flowers, such as pansies, violets or nasturtiums, if desired.

Makes 2 servings.

Here are some links for you:
http://www.asparagus.org/maab/recipes.html

Easy Asparagus
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Asparagus/Detail.aspx

Grilled Asparagus With Balsamic Syrup
http://www.recipezaar.com/237746

Simple Asparagus
http://www.dvo.com/recipe_pages/lowcarb/Simple_Asparagus.html

Anyway, good luck, enjoy!

Answer 5

Usually if I'm making asparagus as a side for something light and easy I'll steam it for about five minutes and add a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon.

If I want to make it a little more filling and substantial I'll roast it at 375-400 for about twenty minutes with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and finish it w/lemon juice after its done.

Even though the ingredients are the same, the flavors are completely different. You should try either way and find what you like best. Just make sure you don't overcook them, the easiest way to ruin asparagus is to overcook it. Also, make sure you break the asparagus at its natural breaking point to avoid having a fibrous stem.

FYI grilling it makes it taste similar to roasting it...easy way to save on utilities over the summer.

Answer 6

Balsamic & Basil Asparagus


Ingredients
1/4 cup Balsamic & Basil Dipping Oil
1 tsp. butter
1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

Directions
Heat first 2 ingredients in large skillet; add asparagus. Saute for 5-10 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Makes 4-5 servings.

http://tastefullysimple.com/web/dgoodacre

Answer 7

I steam mine for about 8 minutes and serve with a simple hollandaise sauce. My hubby broils them in sesame oil and garlic. Both are really great, it just depends on who gets to the asparagus first!

Answer 8

saute fresh aparagus in olive oil and fresh garlic. toss in toasted almonds and salt, pepper at the last minute. don't overcook the asparagus, leave it al dente.
or
saute the asparagus in olive oil, and at the last minute toss in some butter and a teaspoon of dijon mustard

Answer 9

I like steaming the best, but you can drizzle a little olive oil on them, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes.

Answer 10

I like mine steamed with butter until tender then sprinkled with some salt and cracked peppercorn.