They’re the tasty green spears you’ve probably enjoyed alongside a hearty breakfast dish, or tossed through a healthy stir-fry, but asparagus is actually extremely versatile.
Asparagus is one of the best parts about spring. And while you can serve it simply drizzled with olive oil, seasoned, roasted and Bob’s your uncle, there are so many recipes and other dishes to serve it in.
We’ve pulled together some delicious ways to include more of this nutrient-packed vegie in your cooking. From our baked gruyere tarts, to our goat’s cheese risotto and barbecued panzanella salad, you’ll love the crunchy texture asparagus gives to your dishes.
How to cook asparagus
When cooking asparagus, try one of these three easy methods.
Boiling
Add asparagus to a saucepan of boiling salted water; cook for 2-3 minutes (depending on the thickness of the spears) or until just tender (you want the asparagus to retain some crispness). Drain and refresh in iced water; then drain again. (if using immediately, skip refreshing).
Sauté
Cut asparagus into thirds. Heat a little olive or butter in a frying pan over low-medium heat; cook the bottom two thirds of the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, then add the tips, cook, tossing gently for a further 2-3 minutes or until just tender.
Chargrill
This will impart a wonderful smoky flavour. Thicker spears work best for this method. Heat a ridged grill plate. Toss asparagus with a little olive oil and cook for 3-4 minutes, rotating until lightly charred and just tender. You can also cook on a barbecue flat plate. If cooking on the barbecue grill, a handy trick is to run two soaked bamboo skewers through the top and bottom thirds of the asparagus spears; this will prevent them falling through the grill and means that they can be turned as a group.
Roast vegetable salad with garlic mustard dressing
This roasted vegie salad is the easiest and tastiest way to get your five a day!
Miso chicken with broccolini and asparagus
This tasty chicken and rice salad is good for your gut (and your taste buds).
Smoked salmon and asparagus quiche
This smoked salmon and asparagus quiche makes a brilliant dinner that works just as well the next day as well for leftovers.
Asparagus & fetta frittata
Breakfast, lunch or dinner – a fresh frittata is sure to deliver.
Artichoke and asparagus fritters with olive relish
The perfect party starter.
Asparagus frittata
Make the most of summer asparagus with this easy, quick frittata. You could add a handful of thinly sliced swiss brown mushrooms when you cook the asparagus.
Spicy buttermilk chicken
Add some spice to your dinner.
Spring greens and fetta bruschetta
Move over tomato and basil there’s a new bruschetta in town.
Baked asparagus risotto
Baked risotto is a delicious alternative to the usual hand-stirred risotto (and a lot easier, too!)
Chicken caesar salad with asparagus and kale
A hearty caesar salad.
Asparagus, peas and zucchini with mint
Fresh side for any meal.
Zucchini primavera with poached eggs
Lighter than pasta, with fresh spring flavours.
Breakfast frittata
Breakfast worth getting out of bed for.
Loaded asparagus and ricotta galette
The perfect spring dinner.
Chicken and vegetable risotto
One for the whole family – even the littlest ones.
Very green veggie curry
Fresh and vibrant.
Asparagus and salmon pasta salad
Take one tin of salmon and a few fresh ingredients for this tasty pasta salad. It’s an easy packed lunch that you’ll actually look forward to!
Prosciutto and artichoke platter
Avoid the bowl of sad crisps and cheap dips this party season with this fresh, hand-made yet completely simple party platter.
Asparagus with crisp lentils and herb yoghurt
Whip up this easy side with fresh asparagus and a tin of lentils, but the real star of the dish is the herb yoghurt.
Sun-dried tomato and asparagus tart
Tangy flavours of fetta and sun-dried tomatoes combine to create a perfect filling for these golden tarts.
Healthy breakfast bowl with dukkah eggs and quinoa
Tuck into a breakfast of boiled eggs rolled in crunchy, flavourful dukkah, nestled in a bed of healthy greens and protein-rich quinoa, and drizzled with a mouthwatering tahini dressing.
Poached salmon with asparagus, rocket and risoni salad
Poached salmon with asparagus, rocket and risoni salad. This recipe can be prepared a few hours ahead but add rocket just before serving.
Asparagus and goats’ cheese tart
Indulge in this deliciously crisp, cheesy and tender asparagus and goat’s cheese tart.
Smoked salmon and asparagus salad
This salad is perfect for an impressive lunch. It’s quick to prepare and tastes fantastic.
Grilled asparagus, ham, eggs and garlic platter
Indulge in a gourmet weekend breakfast complete with crispy ham, garlic bread crumbs and perfectly cooked eggs.
Warm green salad with soft eggs and hazelnut dressing
Light, fresh and tasty, this warm green salad is beautiful topped with runny soft-boiled eggs, creamy cheese and a gorgeous hazelnut dressing. Enjoy it on it’s own, or serve as a gourmet share platter for your next dinner party.
Asparagus, cheese and tomato tarts
Topped with asparagus, melted cheese and roasted tomatoes, these moreish tarts are great on their own as a warm snack or paired with a crisp green salad for lunch.
Asparagus and lemon risotto with crispy salmon
This beautiful asparagus and lemon risotto is simmered in white wine and garlic to create the creamiest, most flavoursome rice dish. Served with a piece of crispy-skin salmon, this makes a perfect dinner.
Asparagus with three toppings
Asparagus is a delicious summer vegetable that really comes into its own with the right topping. Try one of these three versions next time you serve this moreish vegetable.
Angel hair pasta with smoked salmon & asparagus
For those evenings when you need something tasty for dinner in double quick time, this delicious angel hair pasta with smoked salmon and asparagus can be on your table in under 15 minutes.
Beef with asparagus & oyster sauce
You could use broccolini or broccoli instead of the asparagus, if you like. Note
Chicken, asparagus and pea casserole
Chicken, asparagus and pea casserole
Asparagus and smoked chicken salad
This bright and zesty salad will tickle your taste buds. Smoked chicken and asparagus salad with a buttermilk dressing makes a great lunch or light dinner.
Asparagus hollandaise
A well made hollandaise sauce is irresistible, especially when spooned over fresh, barely cooked asparagus. The trick to a prefect sauce is to whisk vigorously and constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Chicken, mushroom and asparagus creamy pasta bake
Creamy and comforting, this asparagus, chicken and mushroom pasta bake is a great mid-week dinner recipe. It’s also handy on a busy weekend when you’ve got lots of mouths to feed.
Beetroot, asparagus and feta salad
This easy beetroot, asparagus and feta salad is packed full of colour and goodness and makes an appetising addition to the barbecue table. The tangy dressing and walnuts add an extra depth of flavour and texture.
Asparagus and coppa salad bites
Serve these moreish mini croissants at your next party and watch as they quickly disappear.
Beef and vegetable rolls
Sweet and sticky Asian-style rolls with beef and asparagus from Australian Women’s Weekly.
Omelette with asparagus and mint
This tasty vegetarian omelette combines fresh asparagus, potato and mint to create a brilliant healthy breakfast for any day of the week.
Grilled asparagus with tomato
You need four bunches of asparagus for this recipe. Note
Chicken, pea and asparagus soup
A light broth with slices of tender chicken, fresh peas and asparagus spears, this soup makes an excellent starter for a dinner party.
Gnocchi with roast asparagus
If you want a richer flavour, add a little cream and blue cheese to the baking dish. Note
Asparagus, tomato, ricotta and basil frittata
This colourful, veggie-packed frittata is delicious hot or cold at any time of the day.
Cheesy leg ham and asparagus omelettes
Using a mixture of butter and oil stops the butter from burning. Don’t overbeat the eggs or the omelette will be tough. Note
Asparagus and goat’s cheese party pizzas
Serve slices of this moreish pizza at your next party and watch as they quickly disappear.
Palliard of chicken with asparagus and tarragon sauce
The term palliard’ means a quick-cooking, thinly sliced or pounded piece of meat, usually veal, beef or chicken. It may also be known as an escalope’. Remove the tenderloin from chicken breast; this is the thin strip of meat lying just under the breast. Using a large sharp knife, cut each chicken breast in half […]
Prosciutto and cheese asparagus
Fontina is a smooth, firm Italian cow’s-milk cheese with a creamy, nutty taste and brown or red rind. It is an ideal melting or grilling cheese. You can use swiss, cheddar or gouda cheeses instead. Note
Rocket, gruyère and ham soufflé omelette
Gruyère is a hard-rind Swiss cheese with small holes and a nutty, slightly salty, flavour. It is a popular cheese for soufflés as it melts easily. Like a traditional soufflé, this soufflé omelette should be eaten straight away to prevent it sinking. Note
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