Asparagus is rich in vitamin C, B6 also contains anti-oxidants. Asparagus has got rich fiber content, folate and glutathione and is also has anti-carcinogen feature. Though the green variety of asparagus is most common, you can get white, green or purple varieties also.
Asparagus can be cooked in various ways. You can roast, simmer, grill or microwave it.
Ingredients required cooking asparagus
- Asparagus
- Butter
- Water
- Salt
Cooking time – The cooking time depends on type of cooking done.
Methods to cook asparagus
To roast asparagus, you have to put asparagus in the baking sheet / dish and then put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in it. You need to toss them lightly and you can season the asparagus with salt and pepper. Roast asparagus for 15 minutes until they become crispy. You can season them with herbs and lemon.
For steaming asparagus, you need to place asparagus in the saucepan. Add water and boil the water. Cover and then reduce heat. Then steam the asparagus for about 3-5 minutes until they become crisp and tender.
To simmer asparagus, you have to place the asparagus spears in a large skillet. Top the skillet with 1” of water put salt and then simmer. Cover the basket and cook for about 3-5 minutes.
Grilling of asparagus is also done. The asparagus has to be brushed gently with olive oil, margarine or melted butter. Put asparagus directly in the grill pack or in the foil. Grill it uncovered for about 7-10 minutes or until it becomes crisp tender.
You can microwave asparagus. To do so, you have to put asparagus in the microwave safe dish and put 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave it for 2-4 minutes on high power and cover the bowl.
You can blanch the asparagus. Put asparagus in a dish and put 2 cups of boiling salted water. Let it stand for 10-12 minutes. Drain the water and serve warm. If you want to serve it cold, wash it in cold water and serve.
Vital points to remember
It is important to rinse asparagus in cold water before it is used for cooking. The woody base of asparagus has to be thrown off. One can scrape off the scales of asparagus with a vegetable peeler before cooking.
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