How to Blanch Asparagus
User Reviews
5.0
60 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
2 mins
-
Cook Time
2 mins
-
Servings
6 people
-
Calories
402 kcal
-
Cuisine
Mediterranean
How to Blanch Asparagus
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Learn how to blanch asparagus like a pro! Simply cook in boiling water for a few minutes, and then shock in an ice bath. This easy method for blanched asparagus takes just a few minutes and very little prep! Serve it with roasted fish, skillet chicken, or grilled lamb chops. (More ideas in the post!) Or, top your bright, simple blanched asparagus with a flavor-packed Mediterranean salsa with tomatoes, shallots, and fresh herbs.
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed (preferably baby asparagus if available)
- water
- Zest of 1 lemon
Optional Salsa Topping
- 1 Homemade Mediterranean-Style Salsa, see this recipe
Instructions
- In a cooking pot or large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water, seasoned with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, to a boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready next to it (this is an ice bath for the blanched asparagus).
- When water comes to a rolling boil, add the prepared asparagus. Boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness). Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain; set aside to cool down a bit (or if you prefer to serve it as a salad, chill in the fridge for a bit).
- When ready to serve, arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper. Add a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and lemon zest.
- (Optional) If you like, top your blanched asparagus with this Mediterranean salsa.
Notes
- How to store asparagus: It's best to use asparagus within a day or two of buying it for best flavor and texture. But, to make it last a bit longer, place them in a jar with some water (stem side down) and loosely cover with a plastic bag. Refrigerate.
- How to cut asparagus spears: Two ways: Either eyeball it and trim off the white/pale green ends with a sharp knife. Or, bend one spear until it snaps. Where it snaps is where you should cut the rest of the spears.
- What to serve with blanched asparagus: Fish, chicken, and lamb all go very well with asparagus as a side dish. Or, top the asparagus with a simple Mediterranean-style salsa and serve it as a chilled composed salad.
- How to store leftovers: Blanched asparagus will keep for about 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Visit our Online Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils, all-natural and organic spices, and more.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
40.2kcal
(2%)
Carbohydrates
8.3g
(3%)
Protein
3.4g
(7%)
Fat
0.3g
(0%)
Saturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Sodium
12.5mg
(1%)
Potassium
405mg
(12%)
Fiber
3.3g
(13%)
Vitamin A
1635.4IU
(33%)
Vitamin C
27.9mg
(31%)
Calcium
44.9mg
(4%)
Iron
3.3mg
(18%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 402 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 40.2kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 8.3g | 3% |
| Protein | 3.4g | 7% |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 12.5mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 405mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3.3g | 13% |
| Vitamin A | 1635.4IU | 33% |
| Vitamin C | 27.9mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 44.9mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3.3mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
60 reviews
Excellent
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