Asparagus is a flavorful and healthy vegetable available most of the year. It is high in vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium and fiber, making it a great addition to salads or meals. You can cook asparagus in a matter of minutes using a few different methods. Overcooking asparagus can negatively affect its taste, texture and color and may rob the vegetable of some of its nutritional content.
Boiling Asparagus
Step 1
Wash the asparagus with cool running water to remove any dirt or dust. Dunk the tips in and out of a cup of water to loosen dirt and then rinse them.
Step 2
Trim any white off the ends and remove at least 1 inch from the stem ends, as this part is usually too tough to eat.
Step 3
Peel the outer layer of skin off the ends or break the ends off the spears by holding the top half of the spears with one hand and bending the bottom half with your thumb and forefinger.
Step 4
Add about 1 inch of water to the bottom of a large pan and bring it to a boil.
Step 5
Lay the asparagus flat against the bottom of the pan and bring it to a second boil.
Step 6
Cook the asparagus for up to five minutes, uncovered, until it softens slightly.
Step 7
Add to salads or serve with dip as a crunchy snack.
Steaming Asparagus
Step 1
Rinse and trim the asparagus spears and cut them into pieces small enough to fit into a steamer basket.
Step 2
Add 1 inch of water to a pan and bring it to a boil, and then place the basket with asparagus in the pan.
Step 3
Steam the asparagus for six to eight minutes or until the asparagus is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4
Serve as a side dish along with lean meat or fish for a healthy meal.
Microwaving Asparagus
Step 1
Wash and trim the asparagus and then place it in a microwave-safe dish.
Step 2
Add 1/4 cup of water to the dish and cover the asparagus.
Step 3
Cook the asparagus on high power for four to eight minutes. If your microwave does not turn automatically, rotate the dish about halfway through cooking.
Step 4
Allow the asparagus to stand in the microwave for several minutes if it is not tender enough. It will continue to cook while standing.
Step 5
Add it to pasta dishes or serve it as side dish.
Things You'll Need
- 1 lb. fresh asparagus
- Knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Large pan
- Pan with steamer basket
- Microwave-safe dish
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