asparagus is in season from April to the end of June and is one of our favorite vegetables. Versatile, easy to prepare and delicious – in our gallery you will find extraordinary recipes that you may not know yet.
Can asparagus also be eaten raw?
There is a persistent rumor that asparagus needs to be cooked. We can confirm that this is not true and dispel the myth. The fact is: Asparagus is non-toxic and can be eaten raw without any problems. When raw, it contains even more heat-sensitive vitamins (such as vitamin C) and folic acid, some of which would be lost during cooking. However, you should always peel white asparagus because the peel is quite tough and doesn’t taste good. Green asparagus is our favorite for eating raw and tastes wonderfully nutty. It is therefore ideal for delicious salads.
Which dressings go well with white and green asparagus?
You want to make a delicious salad with asparagus that is light and not as heavy on the stomach as hollandaise. No problem! We’ll tell you which dressing goes with which type of asparagus.
#1 For white asparagus
White asparagus is delicate and slightly tart. The dressing should support it, not overpower it.
- Lemon vinaigrette with chervil: A very classic, light alternative. The lemon juice brings the necessary acidity that is often found in white wine in Hollandaise.
- Light miso vinaigrette: For a modern touch. White miso paste (Shiro Miso) delivers umami and a creamy consistency without any cream or butter.
- Nut butter dressing: If only it could be a little more substantial. The nutty flavors of the browned butter go perfectly with the subtle bitter notes of the white asparagus.
- Orange mustard dressing: The sweetness of the orange harmonizes perfectly with the slight bitterness of the white asparagus.
#2 For green asparagus
Green asparagus tolerates significantly stronger components due to its hearty roasted aromas and nutty taste.
- Balsamic maple dressing: The dark sweetness of the balsamic goes well, especially if the green asparagus has been grilled or fried.
- Tahini lemon sauce: A wonderful vegan option. The creaminess of the sesame butter (tahini) is almost reminiscent of a sauce, but remains much fresher.
- Soy sauce and ginger dressing: For an Asian touch. In combination with sesame oil, this underlines the “green” character of the sticks.
- Strawberry vinaigrette: A seasonal classic. The acidity and sweetness of strawberries are the ideal partner for briefly fried green asparagus.
How many calories do I save without hollandaise?
Of course, you only have to save calories if you want to. Enjoying a rich hollandaise every now and then is absolutely no problem. But if you like something a little lighter, you’ll definitely find a recipe idea in our dressings. Asparagus itself is extremely low in calories and has around 18 to 20 kcal per 100 g, while the classic hollandaise sauce is one of the richest sauces in French cuisine. A normal portion of Hollandaise sauce packs a punch due to the high proportion of butter and egg yolk and contains around 350 to 450 kcal. A light vinaigrette based on oil and vinegar, on the other hand, only has around 80 to 120 kcal.
