A healthy vegetable with low calorie & no sodium, asparagus can be cooked in a variety of ways. However, steaming it is one of the favorite methods. With this article, know how to steam asparagus.

How To Steam Asparagus

Asparagus is a spring vegetable, containing a large number of vitamins and other nutritious elements. The best aspect about asparagus is that it can be stored for a long period of time. The low amount of calories, cholesterol and sodium present in asparagus makes it a very healthy veggie. It is also used as medicine sometimes, as it highly contains antioxidant. The elements present inside it are extremely good for heart and help in making and maintaining collagen, which is highly necessary for the connective tissues of the body. Though largely eaten as salad, asparagus can also be combined with other components, in order to make it more delicious and healthy. Steaming asparagus is one of the most favorite options that people resort to. However, since asparagus is a very delicate vegetable, it must be carefully steamed to get the best results. You can either steam the asparagus in a bundle or take a single strand at a time. Given below are methods for steaming asparagus.
 
Steaming Asparagus
 
Things Required
  • Saucepan
  • Distilled Water
  • Double Boiler
  • Plastic Bags
  • Knife
  • Kitchen Strings
Method 1
  • Wash the asparagus thoroughly as it contains a lot of sand and dust. After washing it, break it into two half.
  • Take a large container or a saucepan and add about 1 inch water to it. Bring it to boil.
  • Take asparagus in a bundle and tie the stalks together with the string available in the kitchen.
  • Make the tied asparagus stand in the boiling water with the tips standing up.
  • Cover the container and lower down the flame and wait till it gets soft.
Method 2
  • Wash the asparagus nicely in order to remove all the dust and sand.
  • Take a big saucepan and add ½ inch of water to it and bring to boil.
  • Take single layer of asparagus and make it stand in the boiling water with the tip upside.
  • Cover the saucepan at low heat and wait until it gets tender.
Using Microwave
 
Things Required
  • Microwave Safe Dish
  • Distilled Water
Method
  • Wash the asparagus to clean it thoroughly
  • Place some asparagus in a microwave safe dish with about ¼ cup water.
  • Cover the microwave dish.
  • Cook on high for about 5 to 7 minutes. Asparagus generally takes 2-5 minutes to steam. The time is dependent on the freshness and size of asparagus. It should be steamed with extreme care to be assured that the entire stalk is steamed properly or not.

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