Asparagus in oil. Let’s talk about asparagus, an herbaceous plant also known as spear. Only the flowers, rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, fiber, and iron, are consumed, and they have detoxifying properties. Asparagus, like all seasonal vegetables, plays an important role in the diet and is a source of active ingredients perfect for the body thanks to vitamins and antioxidants. They provide a feeling of satiety, like all vegetables, due to their water and fiber content. They belong to the lily of the valley and lily families and originate from Mesopotamia. On the market, you can find white, purple, green asparagus, asparagina, and, if we are lucky, even wild ones. The harvesting period goes from April to June, but for lovers of this vegetable, they can be found all year round in the frozen food section in specialized shops or supermarkets. But if you wish, you can easily do it yourself by blanching the asparagus for 2 minutes, drying them well, and freezing them. Today, however, I would like to introduce you to another method of preserving asparagus, which is to put them in oil.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 12 Hours
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2Pieces
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring
- Energy 1,232.79 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 12.04 (g) of which sugars 4.89 (g)
- Proteins 5.02 (g)
- Fat 116.98 (g) of which saturated 16.76 (g)of which unsaturated 0.13 (g)
- Fibers 4.85 (g)
- Sodium 1,767.28 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 290 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for preparing asparagus in oil
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 250 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 hot chili pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- 10 sprigs thyme (fresh)
- 1 pinch pepper
- 9 g salt
- 400 ml white wine
- 400 ml white wine vinegar
Tools needed to prepare the asparagus
- 2 Jars
- Garlic press
- Saucepan
- Bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Kitchen scale
- 2 Dish towels
- Spoon
Steps to prepare asparagus in oil
Remove the fibrous and end parts of the asparagus. Besides removing the tip to the length of the jar, cut into equal small pieces.
Wash and dry the cut asparagus, ready to be cooked.
Place the white wine with vinegar and salt in a saucepan.
Once the vinegar and white wine start boiling, add the asparagus.
Cook for 5 minutes and immediately drain them.
Place them on a clean, preferably spongy towel. Leave them there for 12 hours to dry. Meanwhile, place the clean jars in the oven at 302°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, including the lids (next to the jar).
Prepare the seasoning in a bowl: finely chopped garlic with the garlic press, chopped chili pepper, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour in the oil and mix.
Add the asparagus, now nice and dry.
Leave them for a few minutes in the bowl with the seasonings and oil before placing them in the jars.
Place the asparagus tips upright in a jar along with the oil and all the seasonings. In the other jar, arrange the rest of the asparagus with all the remaining oil. Before sealing, wait a few hours and add more oil if needed.
Advice
A small tip on how to prepare asparagus can be found below: Asparagus and Spelt.
https://blog.giallozafferano.it/vaipinacucina/ricetta-asparagi-e-farro/
https://blog.giallozafferano.it/vaipinacucina/ricetta-asparagi-e-farro/
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is it called asparagus?
Its name derives from Greek. It means shoot tip, which is what we consume.
How many types of asparagus exist besides the white, green, purple, asparagina, and wild ones that we commonly cook?
There are over 200 types of asparagus in commerce, and they are distinguished by color or size, but also by flavor.
Can everyone eat asparagus?
Unfortunately, no. Those suffering from kidney stones or cystitis should not consume them, and the same applies to those with nephritis and kidney failure.
How many days do asparagus last in the fridge?
Asparagus lasts 6 days in the fridge.
What is the asparagus season?
The asparagus season starts in April and ends in late June.
Can wild asparagus also be preserved in oil?
Certainly, wild asparagus can also be preserved in oil, a tasty pantry recipe.
How do I sterilize the jars?
One of the many methods to quickly sterilize jars for oil and vinegar preserves is to turn on the static oven at 302°F (150°C) for 20 minutes with the glass jar upside down and lid next to it.
