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Say Goodbye to the Bloat With These Healthy Asparagus Recipes

Michele Foley — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:19:20 PDT

If you're getting in shape for a big event like a wedding, or want to look your best for bikini season, what you eat makes all the difference. Besides helping with weight loss, the right foods can also minimize bloating. Here's where asparagus comes in: this Spring veggie encourages colon health and also stimulates the growth of probiotics in the body. From breakfast to dinner, help give your digestive system a little support with these healthy asparagus recipes.

Spring Veggie Frittata
Start your morning off with a asparagus-filled frittata. What's great is that you can make this recipe on a Sunday and portion it out to enjoy over the course of the week. Omit the cheese to keep the recipe flat-belly-friendly.

Marinated Mushroom and Asparagus Salad
Vegan and gluten-free, this salad puts you in asparagus heaven. Earthy enough to stand up on its own, it's also great when paired with tofu, fish, or chicken.

See what's for dinner after the break!

Perfectly Seasonal: Asparagus, Scallion, and Cucumber Salad

Lauren Hendrickson — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:40:21 PDT

With all the green around you right now, give this very Springy salad a chance: a bed of asparagus, topped with cucumbers, scallions, and a zippy Dijon dressing is bound to make you fall in love with the season if you haven't already.

This is a perfect picnic or party salad, since the the dressing, asparagus, and green onions can be prepared a day in advance, provided they're stored separately before being quickly assembled. The finished salad is a hearty side dish that could easily double as a meal for two. Get the recipe for this crunchy green salad when you keep reading.

Amazing Asparagus Recipes For Spring

Lizzie Fuhr — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:30:44 PDT

We can't believe it's already May! While we love our Spring produce, the idea that Summer is just around the corner sounds pretty delicious. But one of those Spring vegetables we'll be sad to say sayonara to is the amazing asparagus. We've already got you covered with the best way to cook asparagus, but now it's time for some tempting recipes that will help you bring all its green goodness to your table while it's still in season.

Celebrate the Season: 40 Healthy Spring Produce Recipes

Michele Foley — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:05:08 PDT

We're smack dab in the middle of Spring, and with all the new colors popping up at the farmers market, I couldn't be happier. If you've been picking up Spring produce (like fava beans, English peas, artichokes, carrots, avocados, and asparagus) and are wondering what to do with your new bounty of veggies, here are 40 healthy recipes to inspire you the next time you're in the kitchen.

For Better Asparagus, Ditch the Water

Mandy Harris — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:42:10 PDT

Ever noticed how asparagus has a more robust, nutty flavor when you roast it in the oven with olive oil than when you blanch or steam it? I'd always assumed that was just because, well, roasting makes everything taste better, but it turns out there's actually a scientific explanation behind the difference.

According to Fat Duck chef Heston Blumenthal, the flavor molecules in asparagus are water soluble. When you blanch the spears in boiling water, the flavor "leaks" out of the asparagus and into the water. When you cook it in fat, the molecules remain intact and stay where you want them - in your asparagus. So, instead of blanching your next batch of asparagus, cook it in a little olive oil or butter for a more flavorful result.

Since learning this fun fact from Blumenthal's The Fat Duck Cookbook, I haven't cooked asparagus any other way, and he's right! The flavor and texture are miles better. But don't get too carried away with this technique: although veggies like asparagus and carrots have water-soluble flavor molecules, the molecules in others, like broccoli and green beans, are oil-soluble and should be cooked in water for optimal flavor.

Have you ever tried this method of cooking asparagus?

Source: Flickr User bongo vongo

In Season: Asparagus

Sara Yoo — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:55:12 PDT

Spring's a season of abundance, and if there's one vegetable you should eat now by the bushel, it's asparagus. At its peak from March through May, asparagus is a flash in the pan compared to other vegetables, so grab it while you can. This young Spring stalk is as lovely steamed or grilled as it is baked into a frittata or blended into a smooth soup, thanks to its distinct flavor which complements virtually any dish. Ready to learn more about buying, storing, and preparing this versatile veggie? Just read on.

Crowd Pleasing Recipe: Grilled Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:22:17 PDT

Need a fast and delicious appetizer to serve at your next dinner party? How about pancetta-wrapped asparagus? It's a crowd-pleaser that's virtually effortless to make. All you have to do is wrap the asparagus with pancetta and throw it on the grill! Watch the video to learn how it's done, then print out the recipe and try it at home.

6 Amazing Asparagus Recipes

YumSugar — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:50:01 PDT

We're thrilled that asparagus season is finally upon us! There are so many different ways to enjoy these green spears, so make sure to get in your favorite recipes while this vegetable's at its peak.

Asparagus With Grated Egg and Vinaigrette	Raw Asparagus Salad	Asparagus Pizza
Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus	Asparagus Soup	Asparagus Crostini

On the Lighter Side: Asparagus With Grated Egg and Vinaigrette

Camilla Salem — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:28:34 PDT

Asparagus is the quintessential Spring vegetable. Every year when grocery shelves begin to fill with bundles of green spears, it signifies that the warm weather is on its way (and boy, are we excited about that!). Asparagus makes a festive appearance each year on my family's Easter table, as it is a wonderful complement to a meaty lamb roast. The tender spears are steamed and topped with a grated hard-boiled egg and a drizzle of vinaigrette.

The recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and only requires a handful of ingredients. For more, keep reading.

Love Thy Asparagi: Springtime Potato Salad

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:09:20 PDT

We couldn't agree more with Food Orleans: the sight of grass-green asparagus is a sure sign of Spring.

Do you love asparagus like I do? 'Cause I really, really love it. I also love that it's a harbinger of spring eating, and even though we can technically buy it at the store year-round, I try not to. Waiting until the spring for asparagus is one of the first seasonal-buying lessons I learned when I started learning to cook. Plus, I like the fact that I can get excited about a vegetable.

It's like the beauty pageant version of broccoli. The diva of the vegetable world. I scan the market for its stalks as if I were checking for grass shoots. It's tall and lean and might be usable as a paintbrush, in a pinch. Plus it's awesome in salads of all kinds, especially this yummy potato salad full of herbs and lemony, light flavors. All it needs is a quick steam and a plunge in some ice water to set the color, and you've got spring in a bowl!

For her creole-inspired asparagus and potato salad recipe, keep reading.