Fresh asparagus makes awesome side dish. These green vegetables are often available in spring and are packed with vitamins and fiber. So if you are wondering how to cook asparagus then you are in luck as this article will talk just about that.
The first thing you need to do is to pick out the right size of asparagus. It should be bright green with tight spears and not limp. The size of asparagus will also depend on how you want them to be cooked. Once you have selected the asparagus you want, wash them and remove the ends that are rough. You can do this by bending or slicing them off. After you are done, you can then start cooking the asparagus.
There are many ways to cook an asparagus. One of the most common ways to do it is by steaming. In order to steam the asparagus, all you need to do is cut or slice them diagonally. Cut about one to two inches in size or according to how long you want them to be. Prepare the pan or pot you will be using and add enough water. Place a steaming basket inside your pot and bring the water to high temperature until it boils. Once it boils, add the asparagus inside the steaming basket. Cover the pot and place the temperature on low for about two minutes. Make sure that your asparagus are crisp and tender; over steaming the asparagus may not come out very well.
Another good way on how to cook asparagus is by roasting it. To roast the asparagus, preheat the oven 425 F. Arrange the asparagus in a baking sheet and sprinkle some olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 10 minutes or so until they are starting to turn brown. Remove the asparagus from the oven and you are done! You can then top your steamed or roasted asparagus with your favorite dressing and serve them as side dish for pasta or other meals.
So now that you know how to cook asparagus in two ways go ahead and make your own! You will be happy to know that asparagus is a great addition to your main dishes. Enjoy and good luck!