Asparagus Flemish Style Recipes

PAN-SEARED ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY GARLIC

Steps:

• Place a paper towel-lined plate next to the stove. In a medium or large skillet, combine the garlic and olive oil over medium-low heat. Cook, shaking the skillet often, until the garlic is very light golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, tilt it, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to the towel-lined plate, leaving the remaining oil in the skillet. Season the crispy garlic with salt.
• Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook, shaking often, until bright green, crisp-tender and browned in spots, 4 to 5 minutes. Slide onto a platter, including any oil in the skillet. Top with the garlic chips and season again with salt and pepper.

ASPARAGUS, FLEMISH STYLE

Steps:

• Trim white asparagus, if using, with vegetable peeler, from just under tip to stem end to remove woody skin. If using green, trim just hard stem end.
• Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
• Bundle asparagus up and tie with kitchen twine. Trim ends evenly. Gently place in boiling water and immediately lower heat to simmer. If using white asparagus, cover pot. If using green, DO NOT cover, as it will lose it's fresh green color. Simmer for approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on thickness of stems. When tender, remove bundle and carefully drain on kitchen towel, being careful of tender tips.
• Melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan. If the eggs are completely cold, plunge into hot asparagus water for 1 minute. Remove, dry and peel.
• In a small bowl, mash the complete egg with a fork. Add the melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, nutmeg and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Arrange the asparagus on individual plates. Pour Flemish sauce to cover all but the tips of the asparagus. Serve immediately while everything is still warm.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 25 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

ASPARAGUS IN THE FLEMISH MANNER

Steps:

• Boil 8 cups of lightly salted water.
• Add the asparagus and cook for about 20 minutes.
• In the meantime cook the eggs.
• Mash the yolks and the egg whites separately.
• Mince the parsley.
• Melt the butter and serve in a preheated sauce boat.
• Arrange the asparagus on a dish.
• Cover with the mashed egg yolks (not on the tips).
• Put the mashed egg whites over the mashed egg yolks and lastly decorate with parsley.
• Serve the melted butter separately (it has to be poured over the dish).