I want you to take a tasty adventure with an easy dish that will elevate your overall taste – try the white asparagus recipe.
In this blog post, we will discuss the complete process of preparing the white asparagus.
Later, we will also look at variations, pro tips to level up the taste, storage and freezing tips and much more.
What is White Asparagus?
The White asparagus is a special variety of asparagus that is grown underground, where it does not develop chlorophyll; therefore, it is pale because of it.
It is tender and has a milder taste than grassy green asparagus. It is considered a kind of delicacy in several cuisines, especially in Europe.
White asparagus is harvested mainly in spring and is said to be nutritious, containing vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.
It can also be prepared by steaming, grilling, or roasting and served with sauces or in salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicate Flavour: White asparagus has a gentle, sweet flavour that complements any dish, making it a great addition to your dietary habits.
Elegance Presentation: White, with light shades, gives depth to your dish and adds to the impressive presentation of your table for some rare events.
Versatile Pairing: This dish would be good for any protein, allowing for combinations to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy: With only thirty minutes and simple ingredients, this recipe is your golden pick for any quick weeknight dinner, making life simple for busy nights.
Healthy and Nutritious: Vitamin-packed and calorie-low, this vegetable is perfect for those guilt-free treats.
Tips
Peeling: When you peel white asparagus, start from the tip and use a very sharp peeler; the asparagus skin is very tough and should be removed to get rid of the bitter taste.
Cooking Time: White asparagus requires more cooking time compared to green asparagus. White asparagus is usually cooked by simmering it for 8 to 15 minutes, or until it’s tender in its thickness.
Flavour Pairing: White asparagus carries a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that goes well with earthy ingredients such as truffles, hazelnuts, and pungent cheeses—these matches render a dish better.
Serving Temperature: White asparagus is best served warm and with melted butter, which keeps the delicate texture. It is also good hot or cold.
Storage: White asparagus should be stored in a cold, humid place if possible; keep it wrapped in a damp cloth to keep it fresh and maintain its crunch until you’re ready to use it.
Variations
Boiled White Asparagus: A lot simpler white asparagus dish, boiled white asparagus combines the boiling water bath with its natural sweetness, complementing the melted butter.
White Asparagus on Grill: Grill white asparagus to offer a nice smoky flavour with charring marks. Often drizzled with a little olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice as a crisp side dish.
White Asparagus Soup: A creamy soup made by blending cooked white asparagus with broth and cream, resulting in a smooth texture and rich taste, often topped with herbs or croutons.
White Asparagus Salad: A crisp and refreshing spring vegetable salad offers toasted white asparagus served with greens, nuts and delicate Vinaigrette.
White Asparagus Tart: it’s a savoury tart made with flaky puff pastry baked golden and filled with white asparagus, cheese, and eggs. It’s a lovely choice for brunch or even a light dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Hollandaise Sauce: Extremely tasty and creamy, made from egg yolk, butter, and lemon juice. White asparagus blissfully greets it to become a luxurious taste companion.
Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto adds a wonderful contrast of saltiness and meatiness to the dish, while well-appreciated as a simple starter with white asparagus.
Grilled Chicken: A juicy grilled chicken goes with white asparagus, offering a lean protein that enhances the vegetable’s mild sweetness and takes up pretty much filling in a meal.
Salmon: Salmon can be grilled or baked and serves as a wise addition as well as a tasty and healthy protein. Just balance the fish with white asparagus in a simple way.
Poached Eggs: The soft and creamy yolk of a poached egg provides richness to a white asparagus: a brunch is incomplete without a poached egg sandwiched on top of asparagus and given a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Storing and Freezing
Storing
- Wrap white asparagus in a wet paper towel, put it in a plastic bag, and place the package in the drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- It is better to use it within a week for a fresh taste.
Freezing
Blanch: To blanch asparagus, boil it for 2 to 4 minutes and quickly cool it down in ice-cold water.
Freezing: Drain water from asparagus and spread it on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours and transfer to freezer bags.
They will keep for 6 to 8 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the white asparagus recipe offers a unique spring vegetable which brings a mild and elegant flavour to your table.
You can enjoy it with lemon and butter or try it in fancy recipes.
So why don’t you give the white asparagus a try? Grab your ingredients and start enjoying the process.
Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below.
Read More:- Romano Beans Recipe
White Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound white asparagus trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Take your white asparagus and wash it in cold water, then remove the outer part of the stems using a vegetable peeler, starting just under the tip and down to the bottom position. This will make the taste even better and ensure that the asparagus cooks evenly.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a simmer. Add the asparagus to the water and continue to cook, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness desired, until desired firmness is achieved. Remove from the heat and place in ice water to stop cooking. Allow to cool for a few minutes, drain, and reserve.
- In a frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice and zest and stir. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- In a skillet with lemon butter sauce, add the blanched asparagus. Allow the asparagus to cook until just about hot with the sauce stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the asparagus on a serving tray. Chopped parsley or chives may be garnished or some grated Parmesan cheese thrown on top. Serve warm as a side.
