Asparagus is a tasty and versatile vegetable, but it can quickly become bland and tasteless if not cooked properly. With its notoriously brief season drawing to a close, many home cooks are on the hunt for fresh asparagus recipe ideas. This vegetable boasts a distinctive earthy flavour with a touch of natural sweetness. However, simply boiling it in water often results in limp, bland spears.
Thankfully, Morrisons has revealed how to liven up this much-loved vegetable and pack it with flavour. The trick is to add just two store cupboard staples after cooking, regardless of which method you choose. Whether you prefer air frying, pan-frying, or oven cooking, the secret lies in finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a scattering of Parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Method
If you are cooking asparagus in the air fryer, simply coat the spears in olive oil and cook at 200 degrees Celsius for six to eight minutes. Once cooked, the supermarket's recipe recommends finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The recipe notes said: "A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top really brightens up the flavour, or if you're feeling a bit cheesy, a sprinkle of Parmesan is always a winner."
Pan-Fry Method
For those opting to pan-fry their asparagus, heat a frying pan over a medium heat with a small knob of butter or a splash of oil. Cook the asparagus for five to seven minutes, turning occasionally until it takes on a light golden colour. The experts said: "If you're feeling fancy, grate over a bit of Parmesan and some lemon zest for a quick cheesy, citrusy kick. Proper delicious."
Oven Cooking Method
For oven cooking, preheat to 200 degrees Celsius, then toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. When using the oven cooking approach, you will want to sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese before cooking for even more flavour. Arrange the asparagus on a baking tray and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
Parmesan and lemon juice can be added after boiling, steaming, or grilling asparagus as well. Olive oil is also another great option to soften asparagus if you are not a fan of it being too crunchy. It can be coated in olive oil or butter before or after cooking.
