Spargelzeit White Asparagus Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about transforming a humble bunch of white asparagus into a stunning dish that feels both rustic and refined—let me take you on a flavorful journey with my buttery, lemon-kissed asparagus creation!

I adore the elegance of Spargelzeit, with the pure flavor of white asparagus standing front and center. I simmer the stalks in lightly sugared, salted water, coaxing them to cook just tender without losing the fragile perfection of their texture.

I serve them with a quenelle of butter, a bright spritz of lemon, and some chopped flat-leaf parsley to finish. There are few dishes as delicious, refreshing, or as full of the unembellished taste of spring.

Spargelzeit White Asparagus Recipe Ingredients

• White Asparagus: Low in calories, high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the asparagus’s natural bitterness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor; essential for seasoning and cooking.
• Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture, elevating the dish’s flavor profile.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides a bright acidity that complements and highlights asparagus.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal note; rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Spargelzeit White Asparagus Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 kg white asparagus, peeled and trimmed
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 liters water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make this Spargelzeit White Asparagus Recipe

1. Start with 2 liters of water in a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. Mix thoroughly 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt until they are completely dissolved.

3. Add 1 kilogram of white asparagus, which has been peeled and trimmed, to the pot.

4. Lower the heat and let the asparagus simmer in the water for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender.

5. As the asparagus cooks, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.

6. After the asparagus has been cooked, take it out of the pot with care and drain it thoroughly.

7. On a serving platter, arrange the asparagus.

8. Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the cooked asparagus.

9. Add a touch of color and flavor with freshly chopped parsley.

10. Present the dish right away, accompanied by lemon wedges, so your guests can enjoy a bit of table-side theater as they squeeze the lusciously juicy fruit over their serving.

Spargelzeit White Asparagus Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Small saucepan
3. Measuring spoons
4. Kitchen scale (optional for measuring asparagus)
5. Peeler
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Tongs or slotted spoon
9. Serving platter
10. Small bowl (for parsley)
11. Lemon squeezer (optional)

FAQ

• Q: How do I know when the asparagus is properly cooked?A: The asparagus is finished when it is tender yet still has a slight firmness to it, which is usually the case after it has been simmering for about 8-10 minutes.
• Q: Can I use green asparagus instead of white?A: Yes, you can use green asparagus instead, but it may differ slightly in flavor and cooking time. Green asparagus usually cooks faster.
• Q: Why do I need to peel white asparagus?A: Peeling white asparagus makes it tender and boosts its flavor because the fibrous, tough outer layer is removed.
• Q: Is it necessary to add sugar to the water?A: Helping to balance the natural bitterness of white asparagus, sugar, enhances the sweet and delicate flavor of this striking avant-garde dish.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?Fresh is best, but you can prepare the asparagus a few hours in advance and reheat it gently in butter just before serving.
• Q: How do I serve Spargelzeit White Asparagus?A: Present it warm with deliciously melted butter, a fresh squirt of lemon juice, and a good sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for garnish.

Spargelzeit White Asparagus Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 kg white asparagus, peeled and cut to size.
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup in place of sugar.
1 teaspoon sea salt or Himalayan pink salt instead of regular salt.
Replace water with 2 liters of vegetable broth for an extra boost of flavor.
3 tablespoons olive oil
as a substitute for butter
for a vegan option
Wedges of lemon, for serving.
Chop parsley, or use fresh dill for an unexpected garnish.

Pro Tips

1. Peeling Precision When peeling the white asparagus, ensure you remove all the fibrous outer layer to avoid any bitterness and ensure a tender bite. Start from just below the tip and work downwards for best results.

2. Sugar Trick The addition of sugar to the boiling water helps enhance the natural sweetness of the asparagus while balancing any bitterness. Make sure it’s fully dissolved before adding the asparagus.

3. Simmer Sensitivity When simmering, avoid an overly vigorous boil which can cause the asparagus to break apart. A gentle simmer will cook the asparagus evenly and keep it intact.

4. Butter Enhancement For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter slightly before drizzling it over the asparagus. This will add a nutty, caramelized flavor to the dish.

5. Serving Temperature For the best taste experience, serve the asparagus immediately after drizzling with butter, while it’s still warm. This ensures the butter remains melted and the dish retains its fresh, vibrant flavors.