Introduction:

Steamed asparagus is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. This nutritious and versatile vegetable is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. In this article, we will take you through the steps of making the best steamed asparagus recipe that preserves its natural flavor while keeping it tender and crisp.

Ingredients:

– 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 pound)

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 2 tablespoons butter

– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Optional toppings: crumbled feta or goat cheese, chopped almonds or hazelnuts, lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the ends by snapping off the bottom inch or so of each spear. The woody end should break off easily when bent.

2. Steam the asparagus: Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

3. Once the water is boiling, place the prepared asparagus in a single layer in the steamer basket and sprinkle with salt. Cover the pot with a lid and let it steam for 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears – thinner spears will cook quickly while thicker ones may take longer to become tender-crisp.

4. Test for doneness: To check if your asparagus is cooked to your liking, pierce one spear with a fork. It should be tender and lightly crisp when done.

5. Flavor and serve: When the asparagus is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the steamer basket using tongs or a fork and transfer it to a serving platter. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the steamed asparagus. Season with freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.

6. Optional toppings: For extra flavor and texture, you can add crumbled feta or goat cheese, chopped almonds or hazelnuts, or lemon zest to the top of your steamed asparagus.

Conclusion:

The best steamed asparagus recipe is all about simplicity and showcasing the natural flavors of this nutritious and delicious vegetable. Enjoy this scrumptious dish on its own or paired with your favorite main course. With its minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, steamed asparagus is sure to become a frequent addition to your healthy meal rotation.