If you decide to grow asparagus, you have to be patient. After planting, it takes two years before the patch is ready to harvest. But it’s well worth the wait, because after two years of waiting, you will become the proud owner of tons of wonderful asparagus -- the possibilities are endless!
Asparagus isn’t usually a vegetable that is eaten raw, though it is certainly possible to do so. When you add salt and pepper, a bit of butter, and heat, though, it is transformed. Perfectly-baked asparagus is slightly crunchy with a nutty, sweet flavor.
There are many ways to prepare asparagus, and below you’ll find a few of our favorites.
Brown Butter Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
This recipe is salty, acidic, and delicious. With just a few ingredients and a bit of cooking time, you’ll have yourself a delicious and healthy side dish.
To cook, you’ll need:
1 lb. Asparagus
1 tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper
Olive oil spray
4 T. Butter
2 T. Balsamic vinegar
First, you’ll roast the asparagus. Preheat the oven to 400 F and lay out a piece of foil on a roasting pan. Cover the asparagus in oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, heating until the butter is melted ad gives off a nutty aroma -- about three minutes.
Add in the balsamic vinegar and mix.
Pour the sauce over the roasted asparagus and enjoy!
Honey and Soy Asparagus
This recipe has all the delicious flavors of a seasonal stir-fry, filled with the sweet and salty flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and honey. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe immediately.
To cook, you’ll need:
1 lb. Asparagus
¼ c. Honey
¼ c. Soy Sauce
2 Cloves of Garlic
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
Preheat your oven to 400 F and prepare a baking sheet.
Mix together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
Lay your asparagus out in a single layer and pour the honey mixture over the top.
Bake for twenty minutes, or until asparagus is cooked through, but not limp.
(Recipe adapted from JustaPinch.com)
Asparagus Wraps
Bacon and asparagus meet puff pastry. Enough said.
To make, you’ll need:
1 lb. Asparagus
1 Roll of crescent rolls
1 package of bacon
1 Egg
Preheat the oven to 400 F and prepare a baking sheet.
Slice the bacon and the crescent rolls into 1/4 inch strips. Be sure to cut the bacon into thin strips-- otherwise it won't cook through all of the way.
Wind the bacon around a sprig of asparagus, and then do the same with the dough.
Lay on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining asparagus.
Brush the dough with egg wash.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
The wonders of asparagus are never ceasing! Best of all, these delightful asparagus dishes are not difficult to prepare. Try them today!