Whole pan-fried asparagus are a quick, tasty, and light side dish. It is Grandma Benedetta’s favorite way of cooking them, as she considers them better than oven gratin. She loves to season them with lemon juice or pair them with boiled eggs.
HARVEST period for #greenasparagus – from mid-March to June.
RECIPES with green asparagus
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 3 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Spring
- Energy 28.25 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 5.48 (g) of which sugars 2.66 (g)
- Proteins 3.11 (g)
- Fat 0.17 (g) of which saturated 0.06 (g)of which unsaturated 0.07 (g)
- Fibers 2.97 (g)
- Sodium 4.43 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 135 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
Whole Pan-Fried Asparagus
- 1.5 lbs asparagus (green – cleaned weight about 1.2 lbs)
- to taste water (about 5 oz)
Tools
- Frying Pan non-stick 11 inches
- Lid
- Ladle
Whole Pan-Fried Asparagus
Do they need peeling before cooking?
If the asparagus is thin and tender, there’s no need to peel; if they are thick or fibrous, it’s better to peel (with a vegetable peeler) the stem to make them more tender.
To clean green asparagus, hold the stem with one hand and gently bend until it breaks, removing the tough part. Alternatively, use a knife to cut the woodier base. Then wash them.
In a pan with a dash of water, add the whole asparagus.
Cover and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. They should be tender but still crisp.
Usually, 7-10 minutes are enough, but if they are thin, even 3-5 minutes are sufficient.
They should be fork-tender but still a bit firm to bite. If they bend without breaking and still have a bright green color, they’re ready.
Choose according to your taste among:
🍀 Olive oil and lemon – add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice for a fresh and simple seasoning.
🍀 Balsamic vinegar and black pepper – put some balsamic vinegar, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a sweet and aromatic touch.
🍀 Garlic and parsley – chop some garlic and fresh parsley, adding them to the asparagus.
🍀 Mustard and honey – mix mustard and honey (or agave syrup for vegans) for a sweet and spicy seasoning that goes great with asparagus.
🍀 Butter and Parmesan – add a touch of butter (vegetable for vegans) and a sprinkle of cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegans).
🍀 Herbs – use thyme, oregano, mint, rosemary, or chopped fresh basil for a Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
🍀 Greek yogurt and chives – for a creamier version, try Greek yogurt and a bit of chopped chives.
STORE cooked pan-fried asparagus
Let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them briefly in a pan or microwave without overcooking.
However, it’s best to eat them immediately to enjoy them at their best, as they lose crunchiness and freshness after a few days.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What spices go well with asparagus?
Black pepper, turmeric, paprika, nutmeg, and herbs like thyme, oregano, mint, and parsley go great with asparagus.
How to make asparagus crispy?
To make asparagus crispy, cook them for a few minutes in a pan or oven at high temperature, without covering them, and season with a drizzle of oil.
Do you need to blanch asparagus before putting them in a pan?
It’s not necessary. To have them softer, blanch them for a minute in boiling water, but to get a crispy and flavorful result, cook them directly in the pan.
How to remove bitterness from asparagus?
To remove bitterness from asparagus, blanch them for a couple of minutes in salted water and then drain well. Seasoning them with lemon or cooking with sweet ingredients, such as onion or carrots, helps make the flavor more delicate.
Can people with high cholesterol eat asparagus?
People with high cholesterol can eat asparagus without concerns: they are low in fat, high in fiber, and help protect the heart naturally.
