Asparagus

[Northern Lass]

got some to cook

so how do I do it
not got a steamer

[Loakesy]

A light spray with olive oil, bit of black pepper and rock salt, and bake it for about 20 minutes.

Asparagus is one of those vegetables which effects people who are genetically pre-disposed, and makes their wee smell funny - me included. Just saying!

[Northern Lass]

A light spray with olive oil, bit of black pepper and rock salt, and bake it for about 20 minutes.

Asparagus is one of those vegetables which effects people who are genetically pre-disposed, and makes their wee smell funny - me included. Just saying!

Thanks Loaksey I will try that
and yes it does

[Rob]

Fish!! Shouldn't eat that at certain times either!

[gardener]

I love it roasted like that too. You could probably get away with tying it in a bundle and putting the stem ends in an inch or so of boiling water, put on the pan lid and let the rest steam that way. Cut off the ends before serving.

[SRD]

Mother always used to snap off the ends saying that the plant knew best where it gets tough, you can use the tough bits to make soup. This early in the season it's a shame to do it any other way than steamed, and yes, as suggested, in a small amount of water trying to keep the heads out of the water will do, but I'm surprised you don't have a steamer, I think vegetables, especially green ones, are so much nicer when steamed.

Later in the season, when you are bored with simple steamed asparagus drenched in butter or hollandaise (if it's possible to be bored with that) you can make a risotto with crab or smoked salmon or prawns with asparagus, there are lots of recipes on the internet.

[Northern Lass]

Mother always used to snap off the ends saying that the plant knew best where it gets tough, you can use the tough bits to make soup. This early in the season it's a shame to do it any other way than steamed, and yes, as suggested, in a small amount of water trying to keep the heads out of the water will do, but I'm surprised you don't have a steamer, I think vegetables, especially green ones, are so much nicer when steamed.

Later in the season, when you are bored with simple steamed asparagus drenched in butter or hollandaise (if it's possible to be bored with that) you can make a risotto with crab or smoked salmon or prawns with asparagus, there are lots of recipes on the internet.

I do need to get a steamer
do I get one with 3 pans with them?

[SRD]

Many years ago when we were rather more flush with money than we now are, we invested in a range of top quality Italian saucepans, frying pans, steamers etc. the steamers have stepped sides so can fit into any of the different sized saucepans. It was a wise investment, apart from one or two minor dents and scratches they look as new. After about ten years I dropped one and the handle rivet came through the inner skin, I took it back to the shop who contacted the manufacturer who authorised a free replacement. I wish I could find a source for the very good French roasting pans that Mother brought back from a holiday there.

[snoopysue]

got some to cook

so how do I do it
not got a steamer

I grill it, or on one of those gridle pans with ridges. I heard somewhere that the flavour in asparagus is water soluble so not a good idea to boil.
It's unfortunately best to buy (and more expensive) at the beginning of the season, as it tends to get bitter towards the end. I try buy locally grown stuff. It's one my list for my long awaited veggie patch!

[Antie Em]

You can make your own steamer with a saucepan and a collander. I love asparagus, especially with small new potatoes, baby sweetcorn and sea bass

[Margarett]

I steam it in the microwave, for about 3 minutes depending on the thickness. That way it's not too soft, just a bit "al dente". mmmmm........

[Northern Lass]

I steam it in the microwave, for about 3 minutes depending on the thickness. That way it's not too soft, just a bit "al dente". mmmmm........

Ok I think this is what I will have to do
but I must invest in a steamer

now got some carrots any recipes easy ones for them pls
I normally do them with orange juice but need a change

wondered about putting the asparagus and carrots together in oven
how long do asparagus take and how long carrots

[Antie Em]

I can only eat carrots raw or in carrot cake

Never cooked asparagus in the oven - probably just take minutes to cook - carrots take rather longer

[Maths girl]

now got some carrots any recipes easy ones for them pls
I normally do them with orange juice but need a change

Carrot soup is easy --if you have a blender -- usually with coriander

[dianel]

I can only eat carrots raw or in carrot cake

Me too - cooked carrots ... yuk!
And I always think of Billy Connolly when I see diced carrots.