Help - How do I cook ASPARAGUS?

[cjm]

I "acquired" a bunch of fresh asparagus. Can I steam it, ??? who do I fix it?

My husband likes it - I'm not a big fan of it though.

[Jen]

Clean the asparagus well, then break off the woody ends (it should snap where the end ceases to be woody...if that makes any sense!!). I usually just lay it in a baking dish - a glass loaf pan works well - add a bit of water, cover with saran wrap, and cook for 2 minutes or so in the microwave. There have been lots of great recipes for asparagus on the BB, but if you're in a hurry it's really good with some fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar sprinkled over top, and maybe some sliced toasted almonds, chopped sundried tomatoes, and/or feta cheese. Yumm!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[kwormann]

I actually disagree w/ the cooking of asparagus w/ water...based strictly on pers.pref. I say STEAM (12 min), or steam 12 min, put in ice water and chill...it is AWESOME COLD!!! or GRILL...brush with olive oil and garlic adn grill briefly...as you migth be able to tell, asparagus is my FAVORITE veggie

[emilycat]

Gosh, we have a lot of differences of opinion of how to cook asparagus! I usually steam mine in the microwave, with just a bit of water (enough to cover the bottom of the container) in these microwave containers I have. Microwaving veggies is the best way to preserve all the nutrients...if I do, occasionally, steam it, I only do so for about 5 minutes, or until bright green and crisp-tender; cook them much longer and they'll be too soft and depleted of much of their nutritional value.
I love asparagus, so I usually just eat them plain!

[JLS]

My favorite way to cook asparagus is...
snap stems off (just like Jen described), and put in a single layer on the bottom of a frying pan that has water 1/2 up the asparagus, lightly sprinkle with sea salt and cook for 3-5 min (or until desired doness). I like this way b/c they are moist, even though it may not be the most nutritious way.

[lorilei]

I nearly always /grill/ my asparagus. I enjoy the firm texture and smokey flavor that a charcoal grill imparts (although this can be done under the broiler as well), and find that the asparagus retains a great deal of its flavor with this method.

Prepare asparagus (as mentioned above) and coat with a thin layer of olive oil (to promote browning). Grill for 10-15 minutes or until slightly tender.

I also like to marinate the asparagus in a bit of lemon or lime juice and thyme before grilling http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif This is especially good in the spring and summer with chicken.

[sneezles]

A few years ago I found a recipe that cooks the asparagus in a 400º oven, after it has been rolled in garlic and olive oil; then it is broiled a few minutes after being sprinkled with balsamic vinegar and topped with parmesean cheese. It remains so crisp and green plus it is great cold, too.

[This message has been edited by sneezles (edited 11-16-2000).]

[MrsReber]

I steam my asparagus, too, but I do it on the stove and squirt some lemon juice over them as they cook. Beware, they can cook very quickly and become extremely mushy in a matter of minutes.

[cjm]

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful suggestions...I'll say in advance, my DDH appreciates your help.