AuthorcaitlinthewriterCategoryAsparagusHow long to cook asparagus? 10 to 15 minutes, some experts say. Others advise: never cover the pot and cook only until asparagus is “al dente.” But one person’s “al dente” may be another person’s “raw.” So my advice is cook to your taste, but do not overcook.
Test a spear with the point of a sharp knife and cook only until it is crisp-tender. To cook whole spears, tie four or five together with sting into neat little bundles. Stand them upright in bottom of double boiler, Pyrex coffee pot or asparagus cooker; add about 2 inches of boiling water, add salt and cover the pot; cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Another method is to place the washed asparagus in two layers in a 9- or 10-inch skillet or saucepan; sprinkle with salt, add a pinch of sugar and boiling water; cover and cook until crisp and tender. (About 8 minutes is the way I like it.) Lift out with pancake turner, drain and serve.
Before cooking trim about an inch from the butt end and wash thoroughly in sink or large pan half full of hot water, agitate gently for about 3 minutes to remove any grit or soil; rinse in cold water and let soak about 10 minutes.
If you don’t want to cook it immediately, dran and wrap in plastic bag or damp cloth and store in refrigerator.
Ingredients
Directions
Test a spear with the point of a sharp knife and cook only until it is crisp-tender. To cook whole spears, tie four or five together with sting into neat little bundles. Stand them upright in bottom of double boiler, Pyrex coffee pot or asparagus cooker; add about 2 inches of boiling water, add salt and cover the pot; cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Another method is to place the washed asparagus in two layers in a 9- or 10-inch skillet or saucepan; sprinkle with salt, add a pinch of sugar and boiling water; cover and cook until crisp and tender. (About 8 minutes is the way I like it.) Lift out with pancake turner, drain and serve.
Before cooking trim about an inch from the butt end and wash thoroughly in sink or large pan half full of hot water, agitate gently for about 3 minutes to remove any grit or soil; rinse in cold water and let soak about 10 minutes.
If you don’t want to cook it immediately, dran and wrap in plastic bag or damp cloth and store in refrigerator.
