Poor asparagus gets such a bad wrap! There are so many creative things you can do with this veggie that can not only add nutritious value to you plate, but also taste and texture!
FUN FACT #1: EVERYONE makes asparagus pee... but only 25 % of people have the gene it requires to detect the smell asparagus compounds create in urine.
WHO KNEW!?!
My husband is not a big veggie lover so I find myself buying a bushel of asparagus and trowing some away at the end of the week, anyone else??
Here are 4 healthy ways to prepare and incorporate asparagus into your meals for the week, without waste!
1. Shaved on the diagonal (see image)
After washing the asparagus, hold 3 and cut very thin slices at a diagonal. This type of asparagus is delicious sautéed with a little olive oil and a sautéed shallot.
This type of asparagus is also great blanched (flash boiled) and tossed in a wild rice or into your favorite pasta dish.
2. Grilled Asparagus and Garlic
Hi my name is Kat and I am addicted to garlic!
Coat the asparagus with a little olive oil and freshly minced garlic, grill for about 10 minutes on high heat, turning just one time...this is a perfect side dish for any grilled entree. Not to mention the easiest clean up!
3. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Prosciutto
Cover a few slabs of thin prosciutto over raw asparagus, then top with thin lemon slices. Roast in the oven on 400 for 20 minutes. Add a little cracked black pepper and fresh lime juice for added zest. YUM!
4. Leftover Asparagus Salad
You can use raw or partially cooked asparagus on top of your salad for lunch or dinner. Sometimes I will use leftover cooked asparagus from dinner on my salad for the next day. This type of asparagus pairs well with roasted beets, arugula and and almonds. Add any balsamic or some type of acidic dressing for the perfect balance.
Fun Fact #2 about asparagus:
It takes 3 years from seed to harvest. Whoa! That's quite the investment of time!!
(modernfarmer.com)
Give these ideas a try!!
Go on girl,
XO, Kat