Make the most of asparagus while the season is short. These asparagus recipes you from quick, crisp dishes to more substantial meals, giving you a range of ways to use every bunch while it’s at its best
Parmesan-crumbed asparagus fries
Crisp, golden and dangerously snackable – a fast way to make asparagus irresistible
Ingredients
– 500g asparagus (about 1lb), trimmed
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 50g breadcrumbs (about 1¾oz)
– 50g Parmesan (about 1¾oz)
– Zest of ½ lemon
Method
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan/390°F/gas 6).
2. Dip asparagus in egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and lemon zest.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Lemon baked chicken with asparagus
An easy traybake where everything cooks together
Ingredients
– 4 chicken pieces
– 1 lemon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 bunches asparagus
Method
1. Mix lemon and oil, coat chicken.
2. Roast at 200°C (180°C fan/390°F/
Asparagus & pea soup
Fresh, bright and ideal for using up a glut
Ingredients
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 300g asparagus (10½oz)
– 200g peas (7oz)
– 750ml stock (about 3 cups)
Method
1. Cook onion in oil until soft.
2. Add asparagus, peas and stock.
3. Simmer 10–15 minutes, then blend.
Asparagus gratin
Rich, cheesy and comforting – a proper way to use the season well
Ingredients
– 1 bunch asparagus
– 200ml cream (about ¾ cup)
– 50g cheese (2oz)
Method
1. Place asparagus in a dish.
2. Pour over cream and cheese.
3. Bake at 200°C (180°C fan/390°F/gas 6) until golden.
gas 6).
3. Add asparagus halfway through.
Asparagus with caper egg mayo
Humble on paper, but rich and sharp
Ingredients
– 1 bunch asparagus
– 2 eggs
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp capers
Method
1. Boil eggs, chop and mix with mayo and capers.
2. Cook asparagus and serve topped.
Griddled asparagus with Parmesan & pink peppercorns
Simple, quick and exactly what good asparagus needs
Ingredients
– 1 bunch asparagus
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 60g Parmesan (2oz)
Method
1. Heat pan, cook asparagus 3–4 minutes.
2. Add Parmesan and serve.
Growing your own? Our complete guide to growing asparagus covers everything from planting to harvest
