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Asparagus is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways. One popular method is to cook it with butter, which adds a rich and creamy flavor to the asparagus. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion.

To start, you will need fresh asparagus spears, unsalted butter, salt, and pepper. It’s important to choose asparagus that is firm and bright green, as this indicates it’s freshness. You can also trim off the woody ends of the spears for a more tender texture.

Next, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the asparagus spears to the skillet. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer so that they cook evenly. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the asparagus to season them.

Cook the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. You can check for doneness by piercing a spear with a fork – it should easily go through without any resistance. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as they can become mushy.

If desired, you can add some additional flavor to the buttered asparagus by adding minced garlic or grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will complement the natural flavors of the asparagus and take the dish to the next level.

Once the asparagus is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the spears to a serving dish. Drizzle any remaining butter from the skillet over the asparagus for extra richness. Serve the buttered asparagus hot and enjoy!

Preparation

Before cooking buttered asparagus, it is important to properly prepare the ingredients and tools.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) of fresh asparagus spears
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of unsalted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Tools:

• A cutting board
• A sharp knife
• A large saucepan
• A slotted spoon
• A serving dish

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and tools, you can proceed with the preparation process.

Cooking the asparagus

Once you have prepared the asparagus by trimming the tough ends, you are ready to start cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking buttered asparagus:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
3. Gently place the trimmed asparagus spears into the boiling water.
4. Cook the asparagus for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes tender-crisp.
5. While the asparagus is cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water.
6. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked asparagus to the ice water. This will help stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant green color.
7. Let the asparagus sit in the ice water for about 1 minute, then drain.
8. In a large skillet, melt the desired amount of butter over medium heat.
9. Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally to ensure even coating.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Remove the cooked asparagus from the skillet and serve hot.

Now that you know how to cook buttered asparagus, you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious vegetable as a side dish or a main course. Bon appétit!

Preparing the butter sauce

To make the delicious butter sauce for your asparagus, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step 1: Melt the butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.

Step 2: Add the garlic

Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Next, add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Note: You can adjust the amount of salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 4: Simmer the sauce

Continue cooking the sauce over medium-low heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together. Stir occasionally.

Tip: Be careful not to boil the sauce, as it may separate and lose its creamy consistency.

Now that your butter sauce is ready, you can proceed to the next step of cooking your asparagus. This flavorful sauce will complement the natural taste of the asparagus and add a rich and buttery flavor to each bite.

Serving and presentation

Once your buttered asparagus is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and present it in an appealing way. Follow these tips to elevate your dish:

Plating

When plating your buttered asparagus, consider using a long rectangular plate or a platter to showcase the elegant shape of the asparagus spears. Arrange them neatly and align them parallel to create an attractive presentation.

Garnish

For added visual appeal, consider garnishing your buttered asparagus dish. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint can add a pop of color and freshness to your plate. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or toasted almond slivers on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Buttered asparagus pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement your meal:

Protein	Side Dish
Grilled chicken breast	Garlic mashed potatoes
Pan-seared salmon	Lemon rice pilaf
Seared steak	Roasted Brussels sprouts

These pairings will create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, where the buttery and tender asparagus will shine as a delightful side dish. Remember to adjust seasonings and flavors to suit your taste preferences.

By considering these tips for serving and presentation, you can turn a simple buttered asparagus dish into an enticing and visually appealing addition to your menu.

Variations and tips

Here are some variations and tips to enhance your buttered asparagus:

1. Add garlic: For a slightly different flavor, you can sauté some minced garlic in the butter before adding the asparagus. This will give the dish a delicious hint of garlic.

2. Top with Parmesan cheese: After cooking the asparagus, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. The heat from the asparagus will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy and savory combination.

3. Squeeze lemon juice: Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus. The acidity of the lemon juice will add a bright and refreshing taste to the dish.

4. Roast the asparagus: Instead of sautéing the asparagus, you can roast it in the oven for a different texture. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes, or until tender.

5. Serve with a poached egg: For a complete and filling meal, serve the buttered asparagus with a poached egg on top. The oozy yolk of the egg will add a creamy element to the dish.

Remember to adjust the cooking time if you prefer your asparagus more or less tender.

Final thoughts

Buttered asparagus is a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Its simplicity and versatility make it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. By following these easy steps, you can easily prepare buttered asparagus and enjoy its delicate flavor and crunchy texture.

Remember to select fresh and vibrant asparagus spears, as they will have the best taste and texture. It’s also important to properly trim the asparagus by removing the woody ends before cooking. This ensures that the asparagus cooks evenly and is tender throughout.

Buttered asparagus can be enjoyed on its own or can be combined with other ingredients to create a more elaborate dish. Some popular variations include adding lemon zest for a tangy twist or topping the asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory touch.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, buttered asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its vibrant green color and delicate flavor, it’s a dish that looks and tastes impressive without requiring much effort.

So next time you’re looking for a tasty and healthy side dish, give buttered asparagus a try. It’s a versatile vegetable that is easy to cook and is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Q&A

How long does it take to cook buttered asparagus?

To cook buttered asparagus, it takes about 10-15 minutes.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter to cook asparagus?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter to cook asparagus. Simply drizzle the asparagus with olive oil instead of melting butter.

What is the best way to prepare asparagus before cooking?

The best way to prepare asparagus before cooking is to wash it thoroughly, trim off the tough ends, and peel off any tough outer skin if needed.

Can I grill buttered asparagus instead of cooking it on the stove?

Yes, you can grill buttered asparagus instead of cooking it on the stove. Simply brush the asparagus with melted butter and grill it over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.