How to cook wild asparagus | basic recipe and side dish.
Asparagus
Asparagus are spring vegetables, generally available from March to June.
They are rich in fiber.
Wild asparagus or field asparagus, unlike cultivated asparagus, grow wild, are thinner and have a more intense aroma and flavor.
We can sauté them or blanch them.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 bunch wild asparagus
- 1/2 tsp garlic, oil and chili seasoning (or a pinch of garlic powder)
- 3 fl oz water (or more)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
- 1 bouillon cube (homemade vegetable, optional)
- as needed water
- 1 pinch salt
Suggested tools
- Knife
- Cutting board
Preparation
Clean the wild asparagus
– wash the asparagus under running water and let them drain in a colander;
– separate the tips down to the tenderest part of the stalk and cut them into pieces;
– recover the shoots from the stem, removing any thorns;
– discard the tough or damaged woody ends of the stalk.How to reuse the stalks
The woody ends of the stalks can be used to:
– flavor pasta cooking water, for example pasta with wild asparagus;
– make a risotto with wild asparagus;
– prepare a vegetable broth;
– make a cleansing herbal infusion.After cleaning the wild asparagus, for pan cooking choose:
– the tips down to the tenderest part of the stalk;
– the shoots from the stem.In a small skillet or saucepan heat the garlic, oil and chili seasoning or a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Add the asparagus, 3 fl oz of water (or more as needed) to cover the bottom of the pan and optionally a vegetable bouillon cube.
Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper, stir and let them steam with a lid on over low heat for about 5 minutes until the water has evaporated and the sauce has reduced.Your wild asparagus cooked in a pan are ready.
Asparagus cooked in a pan are crispier than asparagus cooked in a pot.
After cleaning the asparagus, for boiling choose:
– the tips down to the tenderest part of the stalk;
– the shoots from the stem.In a small saucepan or pot pour enough water to blanch the asparagus and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil.
Immerse the asparagus and blanch for 5 minutes or longer if fibrous.Your wild asparagus boiled are ready.
Asparagus cooked in a pot are softer than asparagus cooked in a pan and are suitable for puréeing.
For the preparation of:
– appetizers, first courses, main courses.Browse the collection of light and tasty asparagus recipes.
Storage, tips and variations
You can store wild asparagus raw or cooked in the freezer so you can use them all year round.
Freezing wild asparagus raw
After cleaning, dry them well by patting with kitchen paper and keep them in the freezer divided into small, convenient portions inside appropriate bags or wrapped in plastic wrap.
Frozen raw wild asparagus separate easily, allowing you to take only the amount you need.
Freezing cooked wild asparagus
Whether sautéed or blanched, once cooled store them in the freezer divided into small, convenient portions inside appropriate bags or wrapped in plastic wrap.
For a detailed step-by-step procedure you can read the tutorial by clicking the following link: Freezing wild asparagus raw or cooked.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is the difference between wild asparagus and cultivated ones?
Wild asparagus or field asparagus, unlike cultivated asparagus, are thinner and have a more intense aroma and flavor.
When can wild asparagus be harvested?
Wild asparagus are generally available from March to June.
In the south they can sometimes be found as early as December-January.
At the beginning of the season they are more tender.In which areas are wild asparagus found?
They are mainly found in central and southern regions and on the islands.
They grow wild in uncultivated areas and along the sides of roads.Can wild asparagus be eaten raw?
If tender, they can also be eaten raw.
