asparagus recipes
New Media Publishing Asparagus is undoubtedly the star of the spring season. Even though it's available all year long in the supermarket, asparagus is best during the spring, especially when it's locally grown. Mediterranean in origin, asparagus is now grown in all corners of the world. In the supermarket during winter you might find asparagus from Mexico, Peru, China, or Chile. But you'll never find fresher stalks than those sold in farmers' markets.

Typically asparagus is picked young. The spears emerge from a rhizome below the soil level and are then cut. Tender spears are the best in most preparations, but thicker ones stand up to certain cooking methods better, like grilling. Pencil-thin spears are great raw or blanched. Use them in salads or serve them as an appetizer alongside dip.

Steamed, boiled, sauteed, roasted, grilled--asparagus is great whichever way you cook it. And each method gives you a different flavor profile. Roasting and grilling turns asparagus almost sweet. Steamed or boiled asparagus retains the vegetable's natural flavor. The following recipes include our favorite preparations for asparagus featuring all these cooking methods. Find recipes for salads, soup, sides, and mains.
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Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Sesame oil adds lots of bold flavor to this vinaigrette, which gets tossed with steamed asparagus. Top with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus with Sesame Vinaigrette

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

A frittata is a very versatile dish--enjoy it for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This recipe uses sauteed asparagus for a dish evocative of spring. Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and cottage cheese creates a fluffier texture.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus Frittata

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

The flavors of Caesar salad go into the making of this side dish. Saute the asparagus with a little garlic and anchovy paste for bold flavor.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus with Anchovies and Garlic

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Whole-grain mustard adds tang to this creamy pasta dish featuring asparagus. Cook the pasta and asparagus together to cut down on time.

Get the Recipe for Creamy Asparagus pasta

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Roasting asparagus makes makes the vegetable sweet and mellow. Top this simple dish with shaved Asiago cheese.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus Asiago

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

This pale green asparagus soup is ready in less than 30 minutes. Creme fraiche or Greek yogurt, blended in after cooking, creates a creamy texture. Reserve some asparagus tips for garnish.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus Soup

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Tartines are basically open-faced sandwiches. Top thick slices of peasant bread with tapenade, three cheeses, asparagus, tomatoes, and prosciutto.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus Cheese Tartines

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

For a fresh citrus flavor, toss asparagus spears with lemon slices before roasting. This dish would be a good complement to seafood.

Get the Recipe for Lemon Lovers' Asparagus

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Create a quick dinner all in one pan with this simple saute of bite-size chicken, asparagus, and grape tomatoes. Serve over rice or orzo.

Get the Recipe for Chicken and Asparagus Saute

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Top steamed asparagus spears with this flavorful shallot-caper vinaigrette. Make extra vinaigrette to use on top of other vegetables or on salads.

Get the Recipe for Asparagus with Shallot-Caper Vinaigrette

Favorite Asparagus Recipes

Related Video

Watch the following video to see how asparagus is grown and harvested.

Growing Asparagus