Looking for a dish that combines fresh, vibrant asparagus with a rich and creamy sauce? This recipe for tender asparagus with classic hollandaise sauce is just what you need. It’s a perfect side for any meal, adding a touch of elegance and flavor to your dining experience. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare!
Imagine fresh asparagus spears, lightly steamed to perfection, then drizzled with a velvety hollandaise that adds a delightful richness. This dish brings together the earthy taste of asparagus and the luxurious creaminess of the sauce, making it a match made in culinary heaven.
A Classic Side Dish
This dish showcases crisp-tender asparagus topped with a smooth, buttery hollandaise sauce. The combination creates an enticing balance of freshness and indulgence.
The hollandaise sauce, with its tangy and creamy profile, enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus beautifully. When served, it transforms a simple vegetable into a luxurious side that captivates the palate.
Flavor Profile
The experience begins with the rich butteriness of the hollandaise, which complements the slightly grassy notes of the asparagus. Each bite presents a delightful harmony, making it a satisfying option for various meals.
This balance of flavors makes it an ideal accompaniment, whether served alongside roasted meats or as part of a brunch spread. The dish not only pleases the taste buds but also adds an elegant touch to any table setting.
Cooking Techniques
To achieve that perfect tender asparagus, blanching is the key technique. The brief cooking in salted water allows the asparagus to maintain its vibrant green color while achieving a crisp-tender texture.
Following the blanching, plunging the asparagus into ice water is essential to halt the cooking process. This step preserves both color and texture, ensuring the final dish is visually appealing and delicious.
Preparing the Hollandaise Sauce
The hollandaise sauce is made by whisking egg yolks and lemon juice, creating a thickened base before gradually adding melted butter. This method requires some care, as controlling the heat is crucial for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Ensuring that the butter is incorporated slowly will prevent the sauce from breaking, leading to a luxurious finish that perfectly coats the asparagus.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation plays an essential role in this dish. Arranging the asparagus neatly on a plate allows the hollandaise sauce to shine. A generous drizzle of sauce over the asparagus not only enhances flavor but also elevates the visual appeal.
For a final touch, garnishing with a slice of lemon introduces a splash of brightness and freshness, making the dish even more inviting. The rustic wooden table setting complements the elegance of the dish, creating a delightful dining experience.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also offers some nutritional perks. Asparagus is low in calories and rich in vitamins, making it a healthy addition to your meal rotation.
When paired with the hollandaise sauce, it provides a satisfying mix of fats and proteins, ensuring a well-rounded side dish. Enjoying this delightful combination allows for a guilt-free indulgence in rich flavors.
A Classic Side Dish
This dish features crisp-tender asparagus topped with a smooth, buttery hollandaise sauce, creating a balance of freshness and indulgence. The hollandaise is tangy and creamy, enhancing the natural flavor of the asparagus.
The taste is a delightful combination of buttery richness from the sauce and the slightly grassy, fresh notes of the asparagus, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Make the Hollandaise: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until thickened. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and gradually whisk in the melted butter until the sauce is smooth and thick. Season with salt and cayenne pepper if using.
- Serve: Arrange the asparagus on a plate and generously drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 3g