16 Ways to Use Asparagus

Though it may not seem like it, asparagus is an incredibly versatile vegetable. From Asian stir-frys to French-inspired brunches, click through for some fantastic ways to serve this tasty (and healthy) vegetable.

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An  all-time classic, it’s hard to find a more simple way to prepare asparagus than this. If you like, you can also add some dried herbs or minced garlic. Lemon juice is another idea — add it after the asparagus comes out of the oven.

1. Perfect Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 Pound asparagus, rinsed and tough ends discarded
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• Coarse salt and freshly-ground pepper

Oven Temperature: 400 Degrees.

Instructions:
1. In a large baking pan, arrange asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle salt, pepper and any optional toppings (see note above) and toss gently to coat. Bake until asparagus is tender and lightly browned, about ten minutes.

More Like This:
2. Asparagus-Goat Cheese Dip
3. Creamy & Delicious Asparagus Soup (Recipe)
4. Tofu Asparagus Stir-fry

Talk about a tasty brunch! This may be more for special occasions, than a regular lazy sunday, but it sure is worth it! You could even top it off with a poached egg if you’re feeling extra decadent.

5. Savory French Toast with Asparagus and Hollandaise

Ingredients:

For Asparagus:

1. 1 Pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
2. 2 Teaspoons olive oil
3. Coarse salt and freshly-ground pepper

For French Toast:

• 4 Eggs
• 1 Cup heavy cream
• 1/2 Teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon freshly-ground pepper
• 4 Slices challah or brioche bread
• 3 Tablespoons butter

For Hollandaise:

• 3 Egg yolks
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 Cup butter

Instructions:
1. Make asparagus: Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Place asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast for about 8 minutes, or until asparagus is golden. Set aside.
2. Make french toast: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Pour into a baking dish large enough to hold the bread. Add a slice of bread and soak in the mixture for about 2 minutes on each side. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. When it’s sizzling, add the soaked bread and cook for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining bread.
3. Make hollandaise: Cut butter into small pieces and melt over medium-low heat until it’s fully melted, foamy and hot. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, pulse egg yolks, lemon juice and optional cayenne for about 25 seconds. Drizzle butter into blender slowly, until the mixture is incorporated well, and is thick and creamy.
4. Assemble french toast: Place french toast on serving plates. Divide asparagus evenly among the plate and drizzle with hollandaise. Serve remaining hollandaise with meal.

Recipe Adapted From: Martha Stewart

Other Recipes:
6. White Bean and Asparagus Stew
7. Asparagus and Leek Bread Pudding
8. Asparagus with Morels

Yes, raw asparagus is just as tasty as cooked asparagus!

9. Shaved Asparagus Salad

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 Medium lemon, zest and juice
2. 2 Teaspoons champagne vinegar
3. 1 Medium shallot, minced
4. Coarse salt and freshly-ground pepper
5. 1 Pound asparagus spears, tough bottoms discarded
6. 3 Tablespoons olive oil
7. 1 Tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
8. 1/2 Cup tightly-packed parmesan, shaved

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, stir lemon zest and juice, vinegar, minced shallot, and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Set aside to rest for about 15 minutes.
2. With a vegetable peel, slice asparagus lengthwise into thin strips. Set aside in a lagre bowl.
3. Back to the lemon mixture: whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
4. Add dressing, parsley, and 1/2 of the parmesan to the bowl of asparagus and toss gently to combine. Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving wit remaining parmesan.

Recipe Adapted from: Chow.com

More:
10. Pasta with Asparagus and Pine Nuts
11. Simple Roasted Asparagus
12. Cream of Leek and Asparagus Soup

13. Stir-Fried Asparagus with Ginger

Ingredients:
1 Pound asparagus, tough bottoms discarded and cut diagonally into 2 inch pieces.
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Teaspoon cumin seed
1 Tablespoon ginger, minced
2 Teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 Teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 Teaspoon freshly-ground pepper

Instructions:
1. In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add cumin seeds and let crack. Add asparagus, ginger, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir-fry until tender.

Recipe Credit: Manjula’s Kitchen

See Also:
14. Savory Orange-Roasted Tofu & Asparagus
15. Potato, Leek & Asparagus Gratin
16. Asparagus Spears with Black Pepper Pesto Vinaigrette