Roasted white asparagus is a delicious and elegant option that deserves a spot on your table. With its tender texture and subtle flavour, this vegetable is a springtime delight and a versatile ingredient that you can use in various dishes. This post will explore the simple process of roasting white asparagus and highlight a few mouthwatering ways to incorporate it into your meals. With its versatility, this delightful veggie is easy to prepare and sure to impress! It’s important to note that the white asparagus season is relatively short, typically lasting from April to June, so you better try this recipe quickly.
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What is White Asparagus?
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard of the intriguing German vegetable: white asparagus. Over the past few years, asparagus has gained popularity in other countries, and for a good reason. It’s not just delicious, it’s unique! White asparagus has a taste that’s unlike anything else, a result of its method of growing and harvesting. Although it grows from the same seeds as green and purple asparagus, it has a completely different taste due to its lack of sun exposure.
Here in Germany, in spring, we go crazy about what asparagus is and enjoy it in many different ways. If you’re a fan of this vegetable, visit my white asparagus ultimate guide, where I give you shopping and peeling tips and discuss all possible preparation methods.
Check out my Ultimate Guide to German White Asparagus in my Learning Centre to learn how to buy, peel and cook this unique German vegetable.
Traditional Preparation Methods
The most common way to cook white asparagus is by boiling it in a special brine. To boil, you must use a high pot, like the Rösle Asparagus Pot, so white asparagus can be cooked upright. This method ensures a perfectly cooked vegetable from the tip to the bottom of the stem. Alternatively, a Dutch oven can cook white asparagus stems that lie flat in the pot.
Why Roast White Asparagus?
Roasting vegetables creates a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen. The process caramelizes the sugars in the veggies, resulting in a rich, deep flavour. It’s a straightforward cooking method that enhances and changes the taste and texture of white asparagus. Give it a try next time you want to add a flavorful twist to your white asparagus dishes!
Benefits of Roasting
Roasting offers a multitude of benefits, such as convenience and ease. Pop your ingredients in the oven, set the timer, and focus on other tasks while cooking. This cooking method not only saves time but also enhances the flavours of your dish, creating a unique and delicious taste. The oven works for you, resulting in a flavorful and hassle-free meal. So why not simplify your cooking routine and enjoy the quick and easy benefits of roasting instead of cooking white asparagus for a change?
Ingredients for Roasted White Asparagus
To roast white asparagus, you will need just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
White asparagus – Buy fresh white asparagus from the farmer’s market or grocery store. If you wonder what fresh white asparagus looks like, check out my White Asparagus Ultimate Guide or my video White Asparagus Shopping Guide.
Rapeseed Oil — You need oil to ensure the vegetables don’t stick to the baking dish. My choice is rapeseed oil, but you can use any vegetable.
Sugar — You can use white or brown sugar to make this dish. White asparagus tends to be bitter, so you need sugar to balance it!
Salt — Use a good amount of kosher salt. White asparagus is one of those ingredients that needs a bit more salt than you would usually add.
How to Buy, Peel and More...
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting White Asparagus
- Wash and peel white asparagus generously. If you use a vegetable peeler, peel at least 2-3 times the stem below the tip to the bottom. You can peel the stem only once if you have a white asparagus peeler or a double peeler (which I recommend). Keep the peeled stems in a wet towel to avoid drying out. Don’t forget to cut the bottom of the stem (around 1-centimetre-wide wide piece)
You can use my peeling guide video for clarity. - Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Take a long baking dish (large casserole or baking trey) and place peeled white asparagus stems in it. Drizzle the stems with rapeseed oil and season with salt and sugar.
- Roast white asparagus for 30 minutes at 200°C (394°F).
Serving Suggestions
Like the traditional variation, roasted white asparagus goes well with boiled potatoes and hollandaise sauce.
However, I also recommend serving it with mashed potatoes and some protein, like salmon, pork medallions, Schnitzel, or beef steak.
If you feel adventurous, serve it as a salad with rucola and roasted pine nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store roasted white asparagus for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze roasted white asparagus for up to 6 months.
Preheat the oven to 160°C and roast the asparagus for about 10 minutes to warm it up. However, reheated roasted asparagus will not be as good as freshly roasted white asparagus.
FAQ
How long should I roast white asparagus?
Roasting time for white asparagus is 30 minutes at 200°C (392°F).
White Asparagus Recipes that I am loving this season
Roasted White Asparagus
- 1 kilograms white asparagus
- 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil alternative, other vegetable oil or butter
- 10 grams white sugar
- 2 pinches salt
- Wash white asparagus stems with cold water. Tap them dry.
- Peel each stem from just below the tip to the bottom of the stem. Cut off the end of the stem (around 1 centimetre). Keep peeled stems in a wet towel so they don't dry out.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (394°F).
- Take a long baking dish and place white asparagus in it, preferably in one layer. Drizzle with rapeseed oil and sprinkle with sugar and salt.
- Roast white asparagus for 30 minutes. After the first 15 minutes of roasting, turn the stems if you like.
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