Cooked Asparagus Food

PAN-ROASTED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Trim the bottom inch or two off the asparagus.
• Cut spears in half crosswise.
• Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet.
• Add asparagus.
• Toss well.
• Sprinkle with salt and garlic.
• Toss well for one to two minutes.
• Serve hot or at room temperature.

HOW TO COOK ASPARAGUS (ROASTED, GRILLED, OR BLANCHED!)

Steps:

• Place in a large bowl or clean sink filled with cold water. Drop in the asparagus and swish it around to remove any errant dirt. Discard the woody ends of the asparagus by grasping the end of the spear with one hand and just above the middle with the other hand, then bend until it snaps in half. Discard the woody end.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry asparagus by rolling around on a kitchen towel. Place asparagus in large a bowl and drizzle with olive oil - about 1 tablespoon per pound of asparagus. Add a couple of pinches of salt and toss until coated. Spread the asparagus on a large rimmed sheet pan - a single layer is best! Bake, rolling the asparagus once or twice, until golden brown and tender, 15-20 minutes (check after 10 minutes if your asparagus is very thin). Add additional salt to taste. Serve.
• Preheat grill on medium-high, about 450 degrees. Place asparagus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil - about 1 tablespoon per 1 pound of asparagus. Add a pinch of salt and toss until coated. Lay spears on the grill. Close grill for a couple of minutes then open and turn asparagus with tongs. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, turning once or twice more, until the asparagus is tender and charred in spots. Remove from grill and serve, adding more salt if desired.
• Fill a large pot about halfway with water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and a few ice cubes, then set aside. Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Using tongs, transfer asparagus to the bowl of ice water. Dunk a few times then remove from water and finish however you like - marinate in , saute in butter or olive oil, add a pinch of salt ... your choice!

COOKED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Thoroughly rinse asparagus spears.
• Place 1/8 cup of water in an 11" by 7" pyrex baking pan.
• Break off tough stems and place spears in pan in alernating order with the larger pieces at the outside.
• Cook for minimum amount of time, based on your cooking guide (I am lucky, my 20 year plus oven has an autocook setting that I can use to cook things like asparagus along with many other things.) When finshed splash with a small amount of fresh (not re-consituted) lemon juice.