How To Blanch Asparagus Food

BLANCHED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Prepare 1 1/2 pounds medium-thick asparagus (see Rinse and Snap). Have a large bowl of ice water ready. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Season with 2 tablespoons coarse salt, and add asparagus; boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness).
• Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain; refrigerate until completely chilled.

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!

PICKLED ASPARAGUS RECIPE | CANNING ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Wash and remove wood end of asparagus. Blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds. Once blanched, dip into cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Add white wine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a stock pot. Bring to a raging boil.
• In each 25 ounce wide mouth mason jar add fresh lemon slice, 1 tsp dill weed, 1 tsp mustard seed, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, 1 clove of garlic, and asparagus. Fill jars until full. Making sure to leave a 1 inch head space
• Add brine, making sure to leave a one inch head space and remove air bubbles, adjust brine level if needed
• Wipe rims, add warmed lids and rings (rings should be applied finger tight)
• Process for the appropriate time based on your altitude (see time in blog)

PICKLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Bring the water, vinegar, and salt to a boil for 15 minutes.
• Remove all the cloves from the pickling spice (or as much as you can).
• Wrap the remaining spice in a cheese cloth or tea holder and hang in the vinegar mixture.
• Break off the ends of the asparagus and blanch for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, then plunge into ice water.
• Place 1 garlic clove and 1 pepper into each quart jar. Pack the asparagus into the jars standing on end, then pour the vinegar mixture into the jars making sure its very hot at the time to ensure a good seal on the jars.
• Wipe rims, place lids and screw on bands fingertip-tight.
• Process in a boiling water bath for ten minutes.
• Store in pantry for 2-1/2 to 3 months before use.

HEALTHY BLANCHED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and return water to a boil. Prepare an ice-water bath. Peel lower two thirds of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler. Place asparagus in boiling water and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer asparagus to ice-water bath until cool; drain.

POACHED GREEN ASPARAGUS RECIPE

Steps:

• Peel and blanch asparagus, drain and set aside
• In a large sauté pan, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat.
• Add in mushrooms and sauté until soft. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add in shallots and garlic. Once they become fragrant, deglaze with sherry wine and flambé. Cook until all alcohol is cooked out.
• Add in heavy cream, vegetable stock and lemon juice - reduce by half.
• Turn off the heat and add the butter. Mix until butter is melted and emulsified.
• Add tomatoes and parsley then season to desired taste.
• Serve asparagus topped with sauce.
• Notes: Add crab meat to dish if desired.
• If you can't find morel mushrooms- crimini mushrooms or portabella mushrooms are a good substitute.

BLANCHED CRUDITES

Steps:

• Prepare a large pot of boiling salted water, and fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Remove the tough bottoms of the asparagus stalks. If they are thick, peel the stems half-way up the stalk.
• Add the carrots to the pot of boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Immediately remove the carrots with a slotted spoon and plunge them in the bowl of ice water. Drain the carrots when fully cooled.
• Add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Immediately remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon and plunge them into the reserved bowl of ice water. Drain the asparagus when fully cooled.
• Slice the radicchio into wedges.
• Arrange the carrots, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and radicchio on a platter and serve with the Herb Dip.
• Place the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and blend. Serve at room temperature.

BLANCHED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Place asparagus in a medium pot filled with boiling salted water for 40 seconds. Remove asparagus and serve with sea bass.