With asparagus tasting so delicious right now and available in abundance from our Harvest Hall greengrocers, we thought we’d put together a few easy ways with these versatile spears for you to try at home. Whether grilled on the BBQ or enjoyed with poached eggs and hollandaise at a weekend brunch, here are a few ideas of how you can add asparagus to your weekly menu.
1. A Quick Snack
Steamed or sautéed asparagus can make for a delicious snack. If sautéing, you may like to cook the asparagus in a little butter and garlic, a squeeze of lemon is always a nice addition too. Asparagus can even be cooked in the microwave for those under time constraints. No matter how you prepare and cook the asparagus you want to ensure it is not overcooked – you don’t want to lose the vibrant green colour!
2. A Standout Side Dish
Grilled, sautéed, or roasted asparagus makes a lovely side dish for any meal, pairing beautifully with seafood or beef dishes. We like ours blanched in boiling, well-salted water until bright green (about 1-2 minutes depending on thickness) before being tossed through butter or olive oil and seasoned well with salt flakes.
3. A Fresh Brunch
There’s nothing better than tucking into a serving of delicious fresh greens to kickstart your day. You can add asparagus to quiche, omelettes or even serve with poached eggs and hollandaise. Our go-to brunch dish is Asparagus Milanese – we’re talking asparagus spears drizzled with butter and topped with eggs and grated Parmesan.
4. Sensational Salads
Barbecued or grilled asparagus is a delicious addition to up your salad game. Toss pieces of asparagus through a green salad or even add it to a pasta salad with fresh corn, rocket, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and olive oil.
5. Crudité
Grazing boards and platters are ideal for relaxed entertaining as all items can be pre-prepared ahead ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy with your guests. Steamed or sautéed asparagus stems are a perfect addition to a crudité platter and are delicious with hummus or a smoky eggplant dip. Add a couple of cheeses, some lovely meats, a selection of seasonal crudité and dips, and you have a tasty appetiser.
Quick Asparagus Facts
- This popular vegetable originated in the Mediterranean and was first grown in Greece over 2500 years ago.
- Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, meaning it grows back year after year.
- Asparagus has many health benefits. It is packed with nutrients and provides a good source of fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Folate. It is also packed with Chromium, a trace mineral that is said to help insulin secretion, which is ideal for those wanting to control their blood sugar*.
- When buying Asparagus at Prahran Market, look for spears that are a vibrant green colour with a smooth, firm stalk and compact tip. Avoid spears that are pale, white throughout the stem and limp.
- Store asparagus whole in the fridge and enjoy within three days. Tip: storing asparagus in water will help to maintain freshness and firmness.
Looking for more ways to enjoy asparagus? Check out the recipes below.
