How does Delia Smith cook asparagus?

Then place the steamer in a frying pan or saucepan, pour in about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of boiling water from the kettle, then season with salt, put a lid on and steam for 5-6 minutes, or until they feel tender when tested with a skewer. Serve the asparagus on hot plates with some sauce poured over the tips.

How do you cook asparagus in a Jamie Oliver pan?

Put your griddle pan on a high heat. Place 500g of washed asparagus (woody ends snapped off) on the dry griddle pan. Turn and lightly char on both sides until just tender (roughly 2 to 3 minutes on each side), then toss in a large bowl with a knob of butter, a good squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.

How do you cook asparagus so it isn’t tough?

Should you soak asparagus before cooking?

It hydrates the asparagus, and they cook more quickly, for they are already wet with some moisture within them. Do not soak them for 30 minutes, you are not trying to get them soggy.

What is the healthiest way to eat asparagus?

The bottom line

Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable that can be eaten cooked or raw. Because of its tough texture, cooking is the most popular preparation method. However, thinly sliced or marinated raw spears can be equally enjoyable.

What is the health benefits of eating asparagus?

It’s low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Additionally, eating asparagus has a number of potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, healthy pregnancy outcomes and lower blood pressure.

Should asparagus be crunchy or soft?

Asparagus should be soft but crunchy, meaning that it’s been boiled long enough to lose its crispiness while still retaining some of its chewiness. However, if you want your spears a bit more on the crispy side, try boiling them for only 3 minutes rather than 15.

Why do you put asparagus in ice water?

The ice bath is stopping the cooking process and preventing the stalks from cooking any further. Additionally, the asparagus will be perfectly tender (and not mushy!) for eating. Allow the asparagus spears to cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain well.

Does asparagus get softer the longer you cook it?

But if you simmer asparagus long enough to cook it through, its texture becomes soft and almost creamy, and its lovely flavor comes into full bloom. It’s worth taking the time to peel it first.

What part of asparagus is poisonous?

5. Asparagus. Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.

How do you clean asparagus before cooking?

With a knife or a peeler peel away the tough green outer layer to the tip. To ensure and even cook

Do you eat the top of the asparagus?

You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly. Gently bend the asparagus so that it bows out away from you. … Discard that part and eat the top part with the head on it.