Birds sitting on the wire fences in previous summers had dropped seeds that grew in our fertile black soil.
Each year I wished that I could have found those tasty asparagus spears at the right time so I could have harvested them and enjoyed a delicious meal, but of course by the time they were large enough for me to see as I walked or drove down the road, they were already too mature. I couldn't figure out how to mark the spots so that I could start foraging early enough the following spring.
On the other hand, asparagus is readily available in the produce aisle in springtime, and if you have the space for it, an asparagus patch in your backyard will yield tender-crisp spears for years to come. We've moved many times (one of the disadvantages of military life) and have left a couple of asparagus patches behind.
According to both the calendar and the weather, spring is just about here in Oklahoma and I'm ready for crispy, delicious asparagus. If you're like me and can't get enough of it, here are 78 delicious recipes you can use all through asparagus season to make the most of its fresh taste and health benefits.
Besides being delicious, asparagus is very low in calories (one spear contains about 3 calories) and contains anti-oxidants, folic acid, vitamins A, B, C, E and K. It's an excellent source of copper and iron plus smaller amounts of additional essential minerals and electrolytes, not to mention that it's a good source of dietary fiber.
Many of these recipes are vegetarian, low carb, and/or gluten free. Asparagus might just be the perfect food.
I've divided these recipes roughly into categories, but many of them fit into more than one. You might need to go visit every one of these links to discover your favorite way to enjoy asparagus.
Asparagus Soup
Black Truffle Asparagus Soup from Dude That Cookz
Used with permission
Cream of Asparagus Soup from Oak Hill Homestead
Black Truffle Asparagus Soup from Dude That Cookz
Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup (Gluten Free) from Rhian's Recipes
Creamy Asparagus Potato Soup from Small Town Woman
Asparagus Appetizers
Baked Asparagus Fries from The Thrifty Couple
Used with permission
The Best Gluten-Free Baked Asparagus Fries (Made from GF Bagels) by The Thrifty Couple
Asparagus Tomato Parmesan Squares, an easy asparagus appetizer from Confessions of An Over-Worked Mom
Crispy Asparagus Fries from Dancing Through the Rain
Sauteed Asparagus
by Crayons and Cravings. Used with permission.
Pan-Seared Asparagus with Soy Sauce and Garlic by Crayons and Cravings
Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic, Butter & Parmesan from The Rising Spoon
Sausage, Asparagus and Quinoa from Everyday Savvy
Sauteed Asparagus with Bacon and Onions from Beyer Beware
Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms with Poached Eggs from HWC Magazine
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Roasted Asparagus Dishes
from Beyond the Chicken Coop. Used with permission.
Super Simple and Super Delicious Roasted Asparagus from Beyond the Chicken Coop
Easy Roasted Asparagus Lemon recipe made in the oven by Confessions of an Over-Worked Mom
Roasted Asparagus with Walnut Crema and Pecorino from Foodal
Roasted Garlic Lemon Asparagus from The Holy Mess
Roasted Asparagus with Walnut Crema and Pecorino from Foodal
Oven-Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Asparagus from Small Town Woman
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus from Moneywise Moms
Balsamic Roasted New Potatoes with Asparagus from Wallflower Kitchen
Almond-Crusted Asparagus with Soy Yogurt Dip from Skinny Fitalicious
Baked Asparagus from the kitchen of Know Your Produce
Easy Flounder and Asparagus Packets by Mashup Mom
Quiche, Frittatas, Tarts and more
Spinach and Asparagus Frittata from Happy Foods Tube.
Used with permission.
Crustless Asparagus Quiche (Gluten Free) from Low Carb Yum
Asparagus, Bacon and Gruyere Tart from Older Mommy Still Yummy
Puff Pastry Pancetta Asparagus Quiche from An Italian in My Kitchen
Asparagus Quiche with Goat Cheese and Chives from Savory Simple
Italian Veggie Ricotta Frittata from Mash Up Mom
Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart from Dancing Through the Rain
Tomato, Spinach and Asparagus Tartlets with Ricotta from My Gorgeous Recipes
Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomato Puff Pasty Bites from Culinary Ginger
Cheddar Bacon Asparagus Chicken Rolls from Beauty and the Foodie
Cheddar Bacon Asparagus Chicken Rolls from Beauty and the Foodie
Spring Starter Flans with Wild Asparagus from Your Guardian Chef
Asparagus with Pasta Dishes
from Dinner at the Zoo. Used with permission.
Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken from Dinner at the Zoo
Chicken Asparagus Pasta from Courtney's Sweets
Pesto Tortellini Salad with Asparagus from The Kitchen is My Playground
Creamy Mushroom and Roasted Asparagus Pappardelle Pasta with Panko and Preserved Lemon Crunch from Feast in Thyme
Penne with Sausage and Asparagus Cream Sauce from An Italian in My Kitchen
Asparagus and Pancetta Baked Pasta from The Cook Report
Lemon Pasta with Grilled Asparagus and Chevre from Beyond Mere Sustenance
Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon from Uncommon Designs
Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Asparagus by the Rising Spoon
Red Pepper Asparagus Pasta with Lemon Vinaigrette from Small Town Woman
Greek Yogurt Lemon Linguine with Asparagus and Mushrooms from Mashup Mom
Lemon Shrimp Asparagus Noodles (low carb) from My Life Cookbook
Chicken and Asparagus Spaghetti Bake from Julia's Simply Southern
Bacon Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta with a how-to video from Thrifty NW Mom
Asparagus and Chicken Dishes
Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus from The Weary Chef
Used with permission.
Lemon Butter Chicken with Asparagus from The Weary Chef
Pesto Turkey and Asparagus from the Mummy Toolbox
Chicken and Asparagus Salad from Simply Stacie
Baked Lemon Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms from Mashup Mom
One Skillet Asparagus Stuffed Parmesan Chicken from Small Town Woman
Garlic Asparagus with Chicken and Noodles from The Mummy Toolbox
Easy Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Skillet from Small Town Woman
Stuffed Chicken with Asparagus and Bacon from Joy Filled Eats
Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken from The Weary Chef
Asparagus with Bacon or Prosciutto Dishes
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus from Dinner at the Zoo.
Used with permission.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus from Dinner at the Zoo
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Cream Cheese from Low Carb Yum
Bacon Asparagus Tarts Recipe from Thrifty Jinxy
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer from Melanie Cooks
Prosciutto Asparagus Spears from Ann's Entitled Life
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus from Dinner at the Zoo
Honey Mustard Asparagus Bacon Bundles from Small Town Woman
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe in the Oven from Wholesome Yum (Paleo)
Asparagus Salads, Casseroles and dishes that didn't quite fit anywhere else
from Strength and Sunshine. Used with permission.
Shaved Purple Asparagus and Asian Vegetable Soba Noodles from Strength and Sunshine
Purple Cabbage and Shaved Asparagus Slaw with Cumin-Sesame Dressing from Foodal
Cheesy Pepper Asparagus Breakfast Casserole from Small Town Woman
Asparagus Casserole with Jarlsburg Cheese and Creme Fraiche from Hearth and Vine
Cheesy Asparagus and Potato Casserole from The Weary Chef
Easy Cheesy Asparagus Recipe from Wholesome Yum (low carb, gluten free)
Creamy Lemon Casarecce with Asparagus and Toasted Almonds from Pass Me Some Tasty
Lemon Parmesan Asparagus from My Life Cookbook (low carb)
Skillet Mushroom Asparagus from My Home-Based Life
Sun Dried Tomato Parmesan Asparagus from Small Town Woman
Parmesan Crumb Asparagus from Small Town Woman
How to Make Easy Pickled Asparagus from Confessions of an Over-Worked Mom
What's your favorite way to enjoy asparagus?
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WOW Kathi! You've outdone yourself, pulling all of this together. Who on earth would have EVER imagined so many wonderful things to do with asparagus? My mom would have loved every one of them. She adored asparagus.
ReplyDeleteWe love it too, Michelle! I never realized until I wrote this post that there were so many ways to prepare it; I can't wait to try them all!
DeleteThose baked asparagus fries look delicious! And I'm glad you reminded me about my asparagus! With the snow, I haven't even thought about checking on it. I know my rhubarb is just starting to peek out, so the asparagus is probably just starting to pop up too. I need a larger asparagus patch... we don't have enough for 7 people!
ReplyDeleteI hope they are up and growing, Danielle. There's nothing like fresh asparagus right out of the garden!
DeleteI grew up in Michigan on Lake Michigan. Every spring we searched for the asparagus and morels.
ReplyDeleteI've never managed to find a morel either!
DeleteMany years ago I picked up an aspargus starter kit at a discount store when out shopping with my late Aunt. The price was right and I figured worse that happens is they don't grow. DH just uncovered the patch last weekend. The plants are low maintenance and they come back every year, you just can't pick them the first year. They spread so you do have to keep an eye on how much you want them to continue to grow. We love our spring crop.
ReplyDeleteWe managed to kill our asparagus patch, and that's hard to do! We need to start over again.
DeleteThese look yummy, Kathi! I'm anxiously awaiting my asparagus crop this spring. :) Thanks for sharing these ideas for using it on the blog hop!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lisa. I hope there are a few here that you'll try and love.
DeleteThat's a wonderful collection of recipes. I used to grow asparagus but it took up too much space in my little garden for such a short harvest. - Margy
ReplyDeleteThe harvest never lasts long enough!
DeleteI love asparagus! I can't wait to try this out! THank you for sharing this at our Brunch week Link Party for Celebrate 365 Blog Party!
ReplyDeleteAsparagus seems to be a "love it or hate it" food - I love it too! Hope you find a recipe you absolutely adore, Jan.
DeletePinning and sharing this post all round, Kathi - including the Hearth and Soul Facebook page. I love asparagus and am always looking for new and different ways to serve it. This post has lots of wonderful recipes for me to choose from. The only dilemma is which one to make first! Thank you so much for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.
ReplyDeleteThank you, April. I love it too! We're having Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken tonight for dinner. :-)
DeleteOh my. What a list. I just harvested my first asparagus.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! What recipe will you try first?
DeleteHi Kathi,
ReplyDeleteWonderful list! My asparagus is coming in nicely this year :)
I shared a link to your post in my new recipe for Asparagus Quiche Casserole...thought you'd like to know!
So many recipes to try! I absolutely love asparagus, and will be putting this list to good use. Thank you for putting this together!
ReplyDeleteThis round up is off the chain! Definitely getting bookmarked. Thanks for sharing it with us on the Homestead Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann! Who knew there were so many ways to prepare asparagus!?
Delete