subject: The Art Of Steaming Asparagus [print this page] There are several ways of cooking asparagus, however steaming is the best option since it's the healthiest choice and it's requires little ingredients. You must learn how to steam asparagus appropriately to get their full dietary benefits. To steam asparagus, you need a steamer basket or an asparagus steamer, water, regular kitchen utensils to prepare the asparagus, and salt and spices to taste. However, salt and spices are optional. Note that you can buy an asparagus steamer that can make it possible to steam it upright. However, steamer baskets are cheaper and the results are simply as good.
When buying asparagus, you must choose spears which are recent and which have a vibrant green shade and compact tips. For asparagus that has wilted tips, you must firm them before cooking them. This can be done by soaking them in water for some minutes. Keep the asparagus moist till you're prepared to steam it. If you have bought frozen asparagus, you must preserve it in a freezer, however you should not defrost it till it's steaming time. To steam the asparagus, begin by washing it since it's usually filled with sand since it grows in sandy soil. Next, cut off a few inches of the asparagus stock. You can even bend the spears till they break at their braking points. Bending the spears is the best option because it ensures the spears are good and tender and there is no waste. An important tip to steam asparagus is that younger and thin spears are best because there is less wastage in comparison with thick asparagus.
If you are utilizing a steaming basket, tie the asparagus stocks utilizing stings and place them upright. The steaming basket ought to have approximately two inches of water. You can flavor this water utilizing lemon, shallots, garlic, and any other spices. After adding the asparagus, cover the steaming basket and let it steam for about 4 to 5 minutes or till the stalks have modifications to brilliant green and have a young feel. When learning how to cook asparagus, it is important to note that the time taken to steam relies on the intensity of the heat and the stalks' thickness. To check for tenderness, you should use a skewer.
Another option to steam asparagus is utilizing a microwave oven. After washing the asparagus, lay them in an oblong dish. Add only one tablespoon of water to the dish. Cover the oblong dish with a plastic wrap, leaving a small vent in one of the corners through which steam can escape. The vent additionally helps prevent the shrinking of the plastic wrap that makes it hard to remove. Next, set the power degree on the microwave oven to high and steam the vegetable for about 2 minutes. Watch out to not be burnt by the steam. An important tip to steam is that you must never overcook the asparagus because it turns mushy and it will get an unappealing color. Asparagus is best served with a sauce and white rice.
