5 Delicious Asparagus Recipes for Spring

Spring ushers in a burst of fresh produce, and asparagus is one of the stars of the season. This vibrant green vegetable is not only a delight to look at but also packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and folate. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these five delectable asparagus recipes will enhance your spring cooking repertoire, making the most of this crisp and tender vegetable.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

If you’ve got a barbecue or grill pan, this recipe is for you. Grilling asparagus brings out a smoky flavor while keeping it tender-crisp.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred.
  3. Remove from heat, zest the lemon over the hot asparagus, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Creamy Asparagus Soup

Perfect for those cooler spring evenings, this soup is rich and velvety without being heavy.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. asparagus, tough ends removed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
  2. Add asparagus and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes.
  3. Blend the soup until smooth, either with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Return to the pot, add cream, and heat gently.
  4. Season to taste, garnish with chives, and serve.

Parmesan Asparagus Risotto

A creamy and satisfying risotto with the delightful addition of asparagus.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Heat broth in a saucepan until simmering, keep warm.
  2. In a separate large pan, melt 2 tbsp butter, add onion, and sauté until translucent. Add rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add broth to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed before adding more. Continue until rice is al dente.
  4. Meanwhile, blanch asparagus in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool in ice water to preserve color.
  5. When the risotto is nearly done, add asparagus and Parmesan, stirring until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper, add the remaining butter for extra creaminess.

Asparagus and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad, perfect for lunch or a side dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Instructions:
  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Let cool.
  2. Blanch asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then cool in ice water.
  3. Combine quinoa, asparagus, tomatoes, and feta in a large bowl.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad, toss to combine, and garnish with parsley.

Asparagus with Garlic Butter Sauce

A simple yet flavorsome way to enjoy asparagus, perfect as a side for almost any dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Instructions:
  1. Blanch asparagus in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately cool in ice water.
  2. Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and cook until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add asparagus to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to coat asparagus in the garlic butter.

🔗 Note: For a dairy-free option in the asparagus recipes, you can substitute olive oil or a vegan butter for any dairy products used.

With these five delicious asparagus recipes in hand, you'll be able to make the most of the seasonal abundance of this delightful vegetable. Each dish celebrates asparagus in its own unique way, from the smoky, zesty flavor of grilled asparagus to the comforting warmth of cream soup. They showcase the versatility of asparagus, whether you prefer it as a quick side or the centerpiece of your meal. The recipes are not only easy to follow but also offer a chance to experiment with flavors, textures, and cooking techniques, ensuring that your kitchen remains a place of culinary exploration and joy as spring unfolds.

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

+

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus in most recipes, especially those involving cooking like soups or risottos. However, for grilled or sautéed dishes, fresh asparagus is preferred for its texture and flavor.

How do I know if asparagus is fresh?

+

Look for bright green stalks that are firm with closed, compact tips. The cut ends should be moist, not dry, and the asparagus should snap easily when bent.

What are some ways to incorporate more asparagus into my diet?

+

Asparagus can be a versatile ingredient:

• Add it to omelets or frittatas.
• Include it in stir-fries.
• Pickle it for a unique snack.
• Use it in pasta dishes or on pizzas.