Asparagus is normally cooked until it is crisp tender, but you can cook soft asparagus for adding to soups and dips or for pureeing into baby food. Cooking asparagus for longer times reduces its nutritional content, so check it frequently and remove it from heat as soon as it is soft enough. In most cases, adding about 2 minutes to standard, stovetop cooking times is sufficient. Four spears of asparagus is an average serving size.
Boiling Soft Asparagus
Step 1
Dunk the tips of the asparagus spears in a cup of cool water to loosen any dirt. Rinse the whole spears under cool running water.
Step 2
Break off the ends off asparagus spears by holding each end of a spear between your thumb and finger and bending. The spears should naturally break in the right spot. Peel the outermost layer off the stalk, if desired.
Step 3
Fill a large saucepan with about one inch of water and place it over high heat. Bring the water to a rapid boil.
Step 4
Place the asparagus spears into the bottom of the pan so that they lie flat. Return the water to a boil.
Step 5
Boil the spears for 7 to 8 minutes, or until they mush easily when pressed with a spoon.
Microwaving Soft Asparagus
Step 1
Rinse and trim 1 lb. of asparagus spears and then arrange them evenly on the bottom of a microwave-safe dish.
Step 2
Add 1/4 cup of water and cover the dish.
Step 3
Microwave on high power for 3 or 4 minutes. Then test the asparagus with a fork and, if it is not soft, cook it for 1 more minute and retest it. You can do this up to 4 additional minutes of heat, re-checking it after each minute to avoid overcooking.
Step 4
Let the dish stand in the microwave for a few minutes to make it softer. The asparagus will continue to cook during this time.
Steaming Soft Asparagus
Step 1
Wash and trim the asparagus spears and slice them in half so that they fit easily into a steamer basket.
Step 2
Fill the bottom of a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket into the pot.
Step 3
Steam the spears for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are soft. Larger pieces may need to cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Asparagus is rich in folic acid, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Turn the dish halfway through cooking time if your microwave oven does not rotate automatically.
Things You'll Need
- Vegetable peeler
- Large saucepan
- Microwave-safe dish with lid
- Pot with steamer basket
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