Asparagus

Season: Spring
Storage: Best stored in the refrigerator high-humidity crisper section, standing in a jar of water covered loosely with a plastic bag

Fun facts: Asparagus is a perennial which has been farmed for over 2,500 years – even appearing in the drawings found in Egyptian tombs!  It is a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber, vitamins, and iron.  Asparagus spears can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled, and fresh asparagus pairs particularly well with other spring veggies.

Get local asparagus by joining our Farm Share or shopping at farmer’s markets, then share your favorite preparations through our Facebook page.

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Recipe from Cafe Delites by Katrina

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (500 g) asparagus spears, woody ends removed

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 4 cloves garlic, minced)

  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

  • 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray.

  • Arrange asparagus on baking sheet. Set aside.

  • In a small bowl mix together olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle the oil mixture over the asparagus and toss to evenly coat.

  • Bake for 10-15 minutes until vibrant and just beginning to get tender.

  • Remove from oven and top with the mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and broil (or grill) until the cheese melts and becomes golden (about 4-5 minutes).

  • Adjust salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately

Asparagus Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce

Recipe from Fine Cooking by John Ash

Ingredients

  • Sea Salt

  • 1 lb. thick asparagus, trimmed, spears cut into 1-inch pieces, tips reserved

  • 6 Tbs. mascarpone

  • 1/3 cup whole milk ricotta

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; more for serving

  • 1 tsp. anchovy paste

  • 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

  • Pinch cayenne

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 36 wonton wrappers

  • 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped

  • Finely grated lemon zest to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Have ready a medium bowl of ice water. Boil the asparagus tips until tender but still bright green, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to the ice water. When cool, transfer with the slotted spoon to a small bowl and set aside. Cook and cool the asparagus spears in the same manner; dry them on paper towels. In a food processor (or by hand), chop 1-1/2 cups of the spears very finely and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the remaining spears to the tips.

  • Add the mascarpone, ricotta, Parmigiano, anchovy paste, garlic, and cayenne to the chopped asparagus; mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  • Arrange 18 wonton wrappers on a work surface. Put 1 level Tbs. of the asparagus filling in the center of each wrapper. Using a pastry brush, moisten the edges of each with water. Top each with another wrapper and press the edges firmly to seal, expelling any air bubbles as you seal. If you don’t plan to cook the ravioli immediately, cover them with a damp cloth.

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add the almonds, shaking the pan. Cook until the butter turns light brown, about 6 minutes, and then immediately transfer to a small bowl.

  • Add the ravioli to the boiling water. When they rise to the surface, after about 1 minute, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to warm plates or pasta bowls. Spoon the brown butter mixture over the ravioli. Top with the reserved asparagus pieces, a grinding of pepper, a sprinkle of Parmigiano, and a little lemon zest, and serve.

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