Up next in Easter Recipes (15 videos)
Easter ham, leg of lamb, hot cross buns, braided Easter bread, a bunny cake -- find easy Easter recipes in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- Fresh asparagus
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- A vegetable peeler
- A skillet or saucepan
- A rectangular, microwave-safe dish
- A grill (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Buy it
Choose asparagus that is bright green and not dry or wilted. You'll need three to five spears per serving, depending on size and thickness.
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Step 2
Trim it
Cut off the bottom ends of the stalks, about one-third of each spear. If the spears are thick, use a vegetable peeler to peel them to the same thickness as the tips, and rinse well.
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Step 3
Boil it
Boil asparagus for more tender stalks. Bring one half inch of water to a boil in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the asparagus in a single layer, reduce heat, and then simmer until tender, for two to five minutes.
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Avoid overcooking asparagus. If cooked too long, asparagus will turn dark and mushy.
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Step 4
Steam it
Steam asparagus for a crisper result. Stack trimmed stalks two to three deep in a rectangular, microwave-safe dish. Add two tablespoons of water, and then cover and cook on high power for two and a half to three minutes.
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Step 5
Roast it
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and arrange the asparagus on a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and top with minced garlic. Roast for about 10 minutes.
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Roasting your asparagus brings out a caramelized, nutty flavor. Try grilling it for a similar effect.
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Step 6
Serve it
Serve your asparagus with salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!
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Did you know? The ancient Greeks grew asparagus as a medicine to cure toothaches and prevent bee stings.
