If you’re looking for a delicious and visually appealing dish to serve this Easter, consider sautéed asparagus. But before you start cooking, let’s talk about the best way to prepare the asparagus for this special side dish.
First, you’ll want to trim off the woody ends of the asparagus spears. To do this, take one spear and hold it towards the bottom. Bend it until it snaps, and then use this snapped-off portion as a guide to trim the remaining spears. This will ensure that you have tender and flavorful asparagus.
Once your asparagus is trimmed, it’s time to slice them into bite-sized pieces. Lay a single spear on a cutting board and slice it diagonally into an inch-long portion. Repeat this process for all the spears, making sure to keep the pieces uniform in size.
Now, let’s talk about how to make the slices look extra pretty. Take a large, sharp knife and hold it at a slight angle. Line it up with the green spears and make a shallow cut across each piece, turning it into a slanting line.
After you’ve finished slicing the asparagus, you’re ready to cook them. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus slices to the pan and sauté them for a few minutes, until they turn bright green and become slightly tender.
While the asparagus is cooking, you can prepare the remaining ingredients for the dish. If you’d like, you can add some prosciutto slices to the pan. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the savory asparagus, making for a delicious combination.
Once the asparagus and prosciutto are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and give them a stir to combine the flavors. Now you have a tasty Easter side dish that not only looks beautiful, but also tastes amazing.
If you’re wondering what to serve with this dish, here are a few recommended recipes:
- Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: These crispy potatoes make the perfect accompaniment to the asparagus with their golden brown exterior and fluffy interior.
- Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken: This flavorful grilled chicken is infused with the zesty flavors of lemon and garlic, enhancing the taste of the asparagus.
- Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots: These tender roasted carrots are glazed with garlic butter, adding an extra layer of flavor to your Easter meal.
So, why not give this prettier way to cut asparagus a try this Easter? Not only will it provide a vibrant addition to your holiday menu, but it will also impress your guests with its delicious taste. Enjoy!
Sautéed Asparagus with Prosciutto Crisps & Parmigiano
When it comes to prepping asparagus, the first thing you need to do is trim the bottoms. You can easily do this by holding the asparagus spear in one hand and using a knife to cut off the woody ends. This will not only make your asparagus look prettier, but it will also help the spears cook evenly.
Now, let’s talk about how to sauté the asparagus. Start by heating up some oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the trimmed asparagus spears and sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the pan to help steam the asparagus and make it extra tender.
While the asparagus is cooking, you can prep the prosciutto. Simply slice it into thin strips or squares, whatever size you prefer. Heat another pan over medium heat and add the prosciutto slices. Cook them until they become crispy, which should only take a few minutes. Once they are done, set them aside.
When the asparagus is ready, you can plate it up and sprinkle some Parmigiano cheese on top. This will give the dish a delicious and savory flavor. You can also garnish with the prosciutto crisps and enjoy!
This sautéed asparagus with prosciutto crisps and Parmigiano dish is a great side for any meal. It can be served with pasta, salads, or even as a standalone dish. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Now that you’ve learned some tips on how to sauté asparagus, be sure to try out this recipe. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy this bright green vegetable. You can also check out our recent blog posts for more recipes and tips.
Remember, when it comes to asparagus, it’s all about the prep work. Make sure to trim the bottoms, sauté them until they are tender, and garnish with prosciutto and Parmigiano. With these steps, you can create a dish that is not only tasty but also pleasing to the eye.
One thought on “A Prettier Way to Cut Asparagus A Tasty Easter Side Dish”
Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you want to sautéed, steam, or grill asparagus, it’s important to clean and trim the spears before cooking. Here’s a recommended way to prepare asparagus for cooking:
- Start by holding one asparagus spear in your hand.
- Place the asparagus spear on a clean cutting board and line up the tips so they are all together.
- Using a large sharp knife, slice off the tough woody portion at the bottom of the spears. This part is usually lighter in color and thicker than the rest of the spear.
- Continue slicing the asparagus spears in a straight line, about 1-2 inches from the bottom, depending on how thick you like your asparagus.
- You can also shave the asparagus spears using a vegetable peeler to create thin asparagus ribbons, which work well in salads or pasta dishes.
- Once you have trimmed and sliced the asparagus, you can now cook them according to your recipe or preference.
It’s important to note that when harvesting asparagus, it’s recommended to cut off spears that are about pencil-thick in size. This ensures that the asparagus plant will continue to grow and produce more spears throughout the season. If you cut off spears that are too thin or too thick, it can weaken the plant and reduce its future yield.
Asparagus turns bright green when it’s cooked, so make sure to watch it closely while sautéing or steaming. You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
So, if you’ve never tried preparing asparagus this way before, give it a try! It’s a simple and easy technique that will result in delicious asparagus dishes.
For more tips and recipes, check out our blog and recent posts. And if you have any questions about asparagus or cooking techniques, please feel free to ask!
