The Asparagus Motto: The Simpler, The Better — Sensational Sides
It doesn't take much for asparagus to shine. Enjoy this in-season veggie without any distractions with spring-forward recipes that call for fewer than 10 ingredients.
Tara Donne, FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.
There's a time and a place for a really involved recipe — and cooking with fresh, seasonal asparagus in springtime is not one of those times. It doesn't take much for a side of asparagus to shine. When in-season asparagus is simply roasted, steamed or grilled, its innate flavors are given the chance to come out without any distractions. In the spirit of loving asparagus in its truest state, each of these spring-focused recipes is as simple as it gets, using just eight ingredients at the very most.
After roasting in-season spears the old-fashioned way, toss with a vibrant vinaigrette to brighten it all up. Melissa d'Arabian's wholesome Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette gets a little zest from Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice, and it can be served hot or cold for ultra-easy eating.
With just four ingredients on the roster, Ina Garten's Roasted Asparagus reins in more than 300 reviews and a five-star rating. Simply drizzle fresh asparagus with quality olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, as well as freshly ground black pepper, and roast until tender but still crisp. Watch Ina Garten make it herself and you'll never have lackluster asparagus again.
Tara Donne, Tara Donne
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles may look elegant enough for a dinner party, but Rachael Ray's recipe takes just 18 minutes and five ingredients. When the bacon-cloaked asparagus are set in the oven under high heat, the bacon crisps up as its saltiness permeates over the spears.
Making a casserole might sound intensive as far as "easy sides" go, but Trisha Yearwood's Asparagus Casserole is anything but. With just eight ingredients, including the asparagus, this comforting casserole comes to the table with a topping of cheese sauce, hard-boiled eggs and a saltine cracker crumb topping without taking longer than an hour.
Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
When you add high-impact ingredients like Kalamata olives, fresh basil and garlic to a veggie side, you know there's going to be a quality flavor return. Food Network Kitchen's Sauteed Asparagus with Olives and Basil takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, and it'll vanish from the table in half the time, if that.
Get more asparagus recipes from our friends:
The Lemon Bowl: 20 Asparagus Recipes for Spring
Feed Me Phoebe: White Asparagus with Herby Sabayon Sauce
Dishing with Divya: Mock Guacamole with Asparagus
Dishin & Dishes: Asparagus Spinach Coconut Soup
Creative Culinary: Grilled Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Low Carb Pasta with Asparagus Pancetta and Pine Nuts
The Heritage Cook: Asparagus Caprese Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Roasted Asparagus Nicoise
Red or Green: Spicy Roasted Asparagus & Leek Soup
The Cultural Dish: Asparagus Milanese
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Asparagus Carbonara with Garlic Crumbs
Taste with the Eyes: Savory Matzo Brei with Asparagus and Smoked Salmon