Thursday, 10 April 2014

Spring Asparagus & Fennel Sauté + 31 More Asparagus Recipes



Nothing says SPRING like ASPARAGUS!  These beautiful green spears are abundant at all the farmers markets around here ... my family can't get enough.  In my home, we devour asparagus about once a week.  Get them while you can ... sadly this delicious vegetable is only around for a short time {this is a true ONE SEASON only vegetable}.   

Asparagus Tips + More:
  • Aspargus is known to be excellent for supporting the kidneys + helps support digestion.
  • It's a great source of folate + vitamins A, B6, C, E and K.
  • It has antioxidants + some say is cancer fighting. 
  • Asparagus breaks down starches + sugars quick - so make sure to eat it within 3 days of purchasing. Since it does not have a long shelf life, it is important to store bottoms sitting in water {like in a mason jar} or wrapped with a damp, clean kitchen towel to help keep it fresh. 


On to the recipe{s} ...


SPRING ASPARAGUS & FENNEL SAUTE

This side dish screams SPRING ... fresh + delicious, it won't disappoint.  

Equipment: Cutting Board, Knife, Microplane Zester or Standing Grater with Zester, Large Saucepan

{Affiliate links included help support this blog.} 
  • 1 bunch asparagus, remove woody ends + cut into 2" pieces
  • 1 fennel bulb + stalks and fronds, sliced 
  • 1 medium-size Spring onion or red onion, sliced 
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
  • 1-2 tablespoons pasture butter, ghee or coconut oil {See Resources}
  • 1/4+ teaspoon Celtic sea salt {See Resources
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice 

1. Wash and prep produce. Remove woody ends of asparagus - cut into 2" pieces. Remove tough core from bottom of fennel bulb - slice bulb, stalks and fronds.  Remove outer skin from onion - slice.  Remove outer skin from garlic cloves - grate or finely mince.  Zest lemon and cut in half - set aside. 


2. In a large saucepan, melt butter or fat of choice over medium-high heat.  Add sliced onion and garlic - cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. 

3. Add asparagus, fennel and sea salt - cook for about 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally {you don't want to overcook the asparagus, this dish is meant to taste fresh and vibrant}. 

4. At the end of the cooking time, add the lemon zest and lemon juice.  Stir and remove from heat.  Taste for desired saltiness, add more sea salt if needed.  

5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.    


Yield: About 4 servings.

Serving Suggestions: Delicious as is or serve mixed into your favorite pasta dish or on the side of meat/fish.  It pairs well with mashed potatoes and Celery Root Mash.  

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.


31 MORE ASPARAGUS RECIPES TO ENJOY:  

ASPARAGUS SALADS:

Mushroom, Asparagus & Egg Salad by Happy Mothering 

Asparagus Apple Salad w/ Fennel & Dill by Kitchen Stewardship 

Raw Asparagus and Mushroom Salad by Gourmande in the Kitchen 



ASPARAGUS SOUPS:

Cream of Asparagus Soup by Fresh Bites Daily


Creamy Leek Soup w/ Ham, Mushrooms & Asparagus by Divine Health From the Inside Out


Asparagus Soup by Nourished Kitchen 


ASPARAGUS SIDES:


Roasted Asparagus by Simple Foody


Bacon Wrapped Asparagus by Happy Mothering

Asparagus and Greens by Healthy Homemakers 

Roasted Asparagus w/ Lemon by Natural Living Mamma


Simple Roasted Asparagus by Fresh Bites Daily 


Quick Pickled Asparagus by Gourmande in the Kitchen 

Simple Garlic Asparagus Spears by Delicious Obsessions


Cucumber Noodles w/ Asparagus + Ginger Scallion Sesame Sauce by Gourmande in the Kitchen


ASPARAGUS MAIN DISHES:


Crab & Asparagus Mini Quiches by Divine Health From the Inside Out

Lemony Asparagus Risotto by Oh My Veggies

Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken w/ Roasted Asparagus by The Organic Kitchen


COOKING ASPARAGUS + MORE:

Preserving Asparagus 3 Ways - Freezing, Drying & Lacto-Fermenting by Common Sense Homesteading 

8 Tips for Buying & Handling Fresh Asparagus by Fresh Bites Daily 

Roasted Asparagus & Tips for Growing It by Learning and Yearning 

How to Steam Asparagus from Real Food RN 

Amazon links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

This post is shared at Fight Back Friday @ Food Renegade, Whole Food Fridays @ Allergy Free Alaska, Fat Tuesday @ Real Food Forager, Allergy Free Wednesday @ The Tasty Alternative + Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. 

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