When the birds return, they bring lilting, slender stalks of asparagus. If you need an idea of what to do with spring’s bounty, we’ve got you covered. From gratin to grilling to roasting and beyond, it’s all here.
Asparagus and Asiago Gratin
: Maren Caruso
1/23
Our easy and elegant solution when you buy not-quite-spring spears of asparagus from the grocery store? Just add cheese and butter and bread crumbs.
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How to Grill Asparagus
: Ed Anderson
2/23
Never again curse as your pricey spears of asparagus fall between the grill rack into oblivion. All you need is this simple trick.
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Baked Asparagus with Parmesan and Balsamic Vinegar
: Christopher Hirsheimer
3/23
These spring spears, buried beneath a behemoth of Parmesan, is making converts of even the most reticent veggie eaters.
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Roasted Asparagus
: Superfoods
4/23
Think a recipe for roast asparagus isn't necessary? We thought so, too...until we tried this. Lovely spears time after time. Not at all mushy. And never tough.
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Asparagus Tempura
: Jacquelyn Dodd
5/23
Easy and shatteringly crisp and light and perfect. That's what folks are saying about this delicate beer-battered asparagus tempura.
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Asparagus and Arugula Salad
: Hirsheimer & Hamilton
6/23
Simplicity itself. Blanched asparagus, fresh arugula, shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and vinaigrette. Sorta tastes like spring.
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Asparagus and Herb Salad
: John Kernick
7/23
The essence of spring. Just asparagus, herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and a soft-boiled egg. Lovely any time of day or night.
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Asparagus, Egg, and Cheese Strata
: Sara Remington
8/23
Given that its overnight rest INSISTS you make this simple strata ahead of time, it sorta screams for a lazy Sunday or Christmas morning, don't you think?
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Steamed Vegetables in Parchment
: Con Poulos
9/23
A savvy, sophisticated, eat-your-veggies strategy that works its stealthy charms on kids and adults alike. You're welcome.
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Burrata Cheese with Asparagus
: Joseph De Leo
10/23
A ridiculously rich, unthinkably creamy kin to mozzarella, burrata brings understated bling to every little thing. Prepare to swoon.
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Asparagus and Pecorino Salad
: Quentin Bacon
11/23
The asparagus in this salad is sublimely sweet and is beautifully balanced by salty pecorino and tart zinginess of lemon.
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Asparagus Risotto
: Laura Edwards
12/23
An easy and surprisingly light riff on traditional risotto that manages to maintain all the rich, indulgent, creamy goodness of the Italian classic.
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Roasted Asparagus with Bay Leaves and Crispy Capers
: Quentin Bacon
13/23
For this radically simple recipe, stalks of spring asparagus, bay leaves, and capers are tossed in olive oil and blasted in the oven. Gotta love it.
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Asparagus and Fried Egg Panini
: Matthew Benson
14/23
essentially a grown-up riff on grilled cheese that we’d happily indulge in every single day—morning, noon, night, and anytime in between.
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Asparagus Tart
: Bursucgrazziela
15/23
If spring had a taste, we dare say it'd be this simple yet sophisticated tart with its cheese custard, shatteringly crisp phyllo crust, and row after row of spring spears.
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Jim Lahey's Shaved Asparagus Pizza
: Squire Fox
16/23
Asparagus. Pizza crust. Brie. We ask you, what's not to love about spring?!
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Roasted Asparagus with Romesco
: Julia Sherman
17/23
Roasted asparagus with Romesco is one of spring and summer's greatest and easiest pleasures. Go on. See for yourself.
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Seared Scallops, Asparagus, and Leeks
: David Loftus
18/23
We have precious few absolutes, yet we always, always keep things simple with sea scallops. Why shroud that supple sweetness?
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Asparagus Frittata
: Meike Peters
19/23
When spring is in the air, or if you just wish it was, this beguiling asparagus frittata will make your heart go pitter-patter.
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Grilled Asparagus, Prosciutto, and Poached Egg
: Deborah Jones
20/23
Spring asparagus gets the luxe treatment with prosciutto, knee-wobblingly rich and buttery croutons, and a gently poached egg.
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Salmon Fish Fingers with Asparagus and Spring Peas
: David Loftus
21/23
Cook couscous. Press the seasoned little roly polies onto salmon fillets. Sauté until crisp yet tender. Sizzle spring veggies in butter. Accept accolades.
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Asparagus with Brioche Crumbs
: David Leite
22/23
Perhaps the quickest, richest, savviest strategy for gussying up spring stalks that you've ever encountered.
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Asparagus with Raspberry-Shallot Vinaigrette
: Quentin Bacon
23/23
It's nice to still be surprised. Which is exactly what happened to us when we tasted this inspired melding of earthy asparagus, sweetly tart raspberry vinegar, and sharp shallot.
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