5 delicious ways to cook with purple asparagus
What's the story
Purple asparagus, a vibrant and nutritious veggie, is a fun twist on the usual green variety! Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, it adds a pop of color and a dose of health to any meal. Check out these five awesome ways to use purple asparagus in your cooking. The idea is to add color and nutrition to your dishes. Paint your meal purple and healthy!
Grilling
Grill for a smoky flavor
Grilling purple asparagus enhances its natural sweetness and imparts a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with summer barbecues. Simply drizzle the spears with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill over medium heat for three to four minutes on each side. The high heat caramelizes the exterior while preserving the tender-crisp texture inside.
Salad
Create a vibrant salad
Adding raw purple asparagus to salads creates a vibrant pop of color and a deliciously crunchy texture. Simply shave the spears thinly with a vegetable peeler or mandoline and toss them with mixed greens, nuts, and your favorite vinaigrette. The raw asparagus retains its brilliant color and nutrients, transforming your salad into a beautiful and healthful masterpiece.
Pasta
Enhance pasta dishes
Add blanched or lightly sauteed purple asparagus to pasta dishes for a burst of flavor and color. Simply cut the spears into bite-sized pieces and toss them with your favorite creamy pasta sauce or light olive oil-based dressing, along with other fresh seasonal veggies. The vibrant purple hue against pasta creates a visually appealing meal that's as delicious as it is beautiful.
Pickling
Pickle for tangy snacks
Pickling purple asparagus not only helps retain its vibrant color but also introduces a refreshing, tangy crunch to your dishes. Just mix vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices in a pot, heat it up until everything's boiling, then pour it over your asparagus spears (already waiting in their clean jars). Wait for at least 48 hours, and voila - a perfect companion to sandwiches or cheese boards.
Soup
Blend into soups
Pureeing cooked purple asparagus into soups yields velvety smooth creations packed with vitamins. Just simmer the spears until soft with potatoes or cauliflower for added creaminess; then blend to perfection. Season with fresh herbs like dill or tarragon to elevate the flavors. Voila, you have a fancy soup that your guests will love.