Vegetable of the day
By Ben (Discover English Teacher)
I think my favourite vegetable is asparagus. The good news is that it is in season right now, and it is very cheap at the Queen Victoria Market. If you haven’t been to the QVM, it’s a good time to check it out. It’s situated on the corner of Victoria Street and Elizabeth Street in the CBD. You can take the 19 tram up Elizabeth Street or the 58 along William Street and Peel Street. Walk over towards the Peel Street side to get the bargains.
Anyway, back to asparagus. It is very cheap right now. Most people prefer the very thin spears of asparagus, but fat ones are good too, and are sometimes even juicier and more delicious than the thin ones.
How do you prepare it? I’m glad you asked!
1. Blanched asparagus
This is great as a starter or a side. You can have it with some meat or something else.
Ingredients
- bunch of asparagus
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- a knob of butter (a piece around 5 grams in weight)
- a squeeze of lemon juice
- salt and pepper
Method
Cut the woody ends off the asparagus. Just find the spot where it starts being easy to cut. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute, no more! (This means put it in the boiling water, but you don’t cook it for long.) Drain the water. Put the butter on the asparagus and let it melt a bit. When it’s melted, add the garlic, salt and pepper and squeeze over the lemon juice. Eat it!!!
2. Stir-fried asparagus
This is a great addition to an Asian meal.
Ingredients
- bunch of asparagus
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- finely ground white or black pepper
Method
Cut the woody ends off the asparagus. Just find the spot where it starts being easy to cut. Heat a wok or frying pan until it’s very hot. Add oil. When it’s hot, add the garlic and the asparagus. Stir fry the asparagus for 3–4 minutes. Add the soy sauce, water and sugar. Cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle with the pepper. Eat it!!!
Both of these recipes are very easy. Asparagus is very versatile (you can use it for a lot of meals). You can put it in a curry or grill it on a barbecue. Be quick: the season will finish soon. I hope you get to cook and enjoy Victorian asparagus before the season is over!