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Click to view MOROLIVJUSPLS's profile Amateur
MOROLIVJUSPLS
10 posts since
Jun 21, 2006

Aug 30, 2006 10:13 PM

Intimidated by a bunch of asparagus

I was instantly attracted to a big bunch of asparagus at Sam's today. So I bought it. Now, I have no clue what to do with it. I have ordered it a zillion times in restaurants and like it a little crispy, usually sauteed with garlic, lemon, herbs, etc.

I just don't know how to trim it and prepare it for cooking. The cookbooks say "trim it". Help me understand how to get it from the big bunch into the pan. If you have ideas on how to cook it on the stove top they would be welcome.

I'll be making Thai Noodle Salad with it. Thanks in advance.
Click to view annora's profile Pro
annora
68 posts since
Jun 26, 2006
1. Aug 30, 2006 10:21 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
rinse it.

then, grab a spear. hold it with both hands - one hand in the center, and the other at the root end. snap the end off (gently) - it will naturally break at a point where the stalk is less woody. repeat. all trimmed.
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Click to view mbannon's profile Legend
mbannon
1,814 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Aug 30, 2006 10:21 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
I just chop the base off to fit in my pot, get the water boiling, then toss the asper-grass (as I like to call it) into the boiling water for about 5 minutes. I like mine a tad crunchy.

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Click to view Iontach's profile Legend
Iontach
1,523 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Aug 30, 2006 10:23 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
What you want to get rid of is the woody part - depending on the age of the asparagus, and how the store trims is, you may not have much to get rid of.

For future reference, can I suggest a blue cheese sauce? Yum.
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Click to view punkie's profile Expert
punkie
45 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Aug 30, 2006 11:39 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
I steam it in the microwave, and squeeze lemon on top.
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Click to view SuburbanDad's profile Expert
SuburbanDad
40 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
5. Aug 31, 2006 10:53 AM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
After trimming, toss it with some olive oil, salt, pepper and finely minced garlic and place on a hot grill, turn after a few minutes and remove when nearly tender (how long depends on the thickness of the stalks, I like mine a bit undercooked but you don't want to leave on too long and have it burn). That's good eating.
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Click to view MOROLIVJUSPLS's profile Amateur
MOROLIVJUSPLS
10 posts since
Jun 21, 2006
6. Sep 1, 2006 6:52 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
thanks y'all. will try it tonite!
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Click to view janSport's profile Legend
janSport
307 posts since
Dec 12, 2007
7. Sep 4, 2006 5:47 AM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
What Suburban Dad said. If the grill is not up your alley, do the exact same thing but with roasting. Yum.
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Click to view alirocks's profile Amateur
alirocks
24 posts since
Oct 12, 2005
8. Sep 5, 2006 2:32 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
i know my answer is a little late
but you may want to try it later

i get rid of the ends of the asparagus like annora
then i saute some olive oil and onions
then i add some garlic (either fresh or minced from a jar)
then i add the asparagus
cook for about 5 minutes
then i add some white cooking oil and cook for a few more minutes
its nice and crunchy
and very tasty!
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Click to view ToddDubya's profile Legend
ToddDubya
212 posts since
Jan 26, 2006
9. Sep 5, 2006 2:38 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
I like alirocks recipe, only I use olive oil. Mmmm, olive oil.

If you're going to cook it in a pot, I would use a steaming tray in the bottom of the pot instead of boiling the asparagus. You lose a lot (vitamins and so on) into the water by boiling it, plus you don't have to heat up as much water to just steam it. Then top with a little olive oil or fresh squeezed lemon. Mmm, now I want some.

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Click to view vhm1's profile Pro
vhm1
68 posts since
Jul 23, 2006
10. Sep 6, 2006 3:25 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
trim the asparagus as others have mentioned.

lay the trimmed pieces out single file on aluminum foil.

drizzle with olive oil, coarse salt, and black pepper.

fold foil over asparagus into a packet, place on cookie sheet, and roast in the oven (425) for about 10 minutes. Then open the foil and roast (I turn the oven to broil) another few (2-3) minutes. Add or decrease time, depending on how crunchy you like the asparagus.

Yum!

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Click to view alirocks's profile Amateur
alirocks
24 posts since
Oct 12, 2005
11. Sep 7, 2006 1:12 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
i meant white cooking wine
not white cooking oil
where is my head
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Click to view xieta's profile Expert
xieta
42 posts since
Jan 25, 2005
12. Sep 14, 2006 7:44 AM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
Chop off the harder part and cut the softer in about 1 inch pieces , put a little olive oil in a pan and add the asparagus. After a few minutes add baby prawns and beaten eggs. Scramble, add salt and pepper and put on toast.

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Click to view tarpon's profile Legend
tarpon
357 posts since
Nov 29, 2007
13. Sep 15, 2006 12:23 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
Andaluthian tapas baby!

I can live on tapas, beer and bagels, nothing else required!
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Click to view xieta's profile Expert
xieta
42 posts since
Jan 25, 2005
14. Sep 15, 2006 2:56 PM in response to: MOROLIVJUSPLS
quote:<HR>Originally posted by webfoot:
Andaluthian tapas baby!

I can live on tapas, beer and bagels, nothing else required!<HR>


tapas are by far the best invention we spaniards ever made

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