Asparagus is the unsung hero of spring cuisine: delicious, healthy, and incredibly versatile. Whether meat, fish, vegetables, spices, or wine – we'll show you which flavor partners go particularly well with white and green asparagus.
The classic accompaniment to asparagus is, of course, potatoes. But many other vegetables also combine perfectly with green and white asparagus.
A crisp vegetable stir-fry with asparagus, peas, green beans, or baby carrots will evoke the feeling of spring. Radishes, both raw and cooked, pair well with green or white asparagus. For a soup with asparagus, juicy turnips make a flavorful base. Add a Mediterranean touch with caramelized cherry tomatoes as a side dish. Combining asparagus with sugar snap peas, on the other hand, gives it an Asian flair.
In salads, baby spinach and Swiss chard taste great with white asparagus, while nutty arugula and Lollo Rosso complement green asparagus perfectly. For something a little different, add sorrel or dandelion leaves.
White asparagus is traditionally served with light-colored meats with a mild flavor, such as lamb loin, veal or pork medallions. A tender pink beef fillet also pairs well.
Green asparagus pairs well with slightly bolder dishes: rump steak, marinated chicken breast, or grilled pork chop harmonize with its more robust flavor. Even game meats like venison or guinea fowl taste excellent with it.
Those who prefer to combine asparagus with ham also have a wide range of options. A mild alternative to white asparagus is succulent cooked ham. Smoked varieties, such as Black Forest ham, offer a more robust flavor. Since green asparagus spears already have a savory flavor of their own, they are well complemented by nutty Italian Parma ham or Spanish Serrano ham.
Not only meat, but also fish is a flavorful partner for spring vegetables. However, it's advisable to choose fish varieties that don't overpower the asparagus flavor. Salmon or pike-perch, as well as shrimp or cod, combine wonderfully with white or green asparagus.
Salt, sugar, butter, and lemon are typically added to the water for cooking. Freshly ground pepper can be added during the final seasoning.
Less traditional, but just as delicious, are asparagus dishes with an oriental twist. For example, crushed coriander seeds in pasta with green asparagus lend a Far Eastern flavor. Sumac provides the finishing touch to roasted asparagus. Pink peppercorns, along with lemon, add a fresh and fruity note. Truffle oil is a particularly elegant alternative to classic melted butter.
From the herb garden, fresh parsley, chives, lovage, chervil, lemon balm, and all types of cress are ideal. And don't forget: during asparagus season, there's also plenty of wild garlic! Finely chopped, it can be used not only as a garnish but also adds an extra touch of spring to marinades or asparagus risotto.
Where there's asparagus, white wine is never far away. However, there isn't just one "asparagus wine," as the way the asparagus is prepared and its accompaniments also play a role.
Winemakers recommend mild, dry varieties such as Pinot Blanc or Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Müller-Thurgau to pair with white asparagus. For purple asparagus, something more characterful is appropriate; Rivaner and mature Riesling varieties are good choices.
Green asparagus generally tolerates more spice: Aromatic Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Silvaner or Pinot Gris harmonize perfectly.
For those who prefer beer with asparagus, a pale ale or light wheat beer is the perfect choice. If red meat or grilled food is served alongside, a Maibock (a type of lager) also pairs well. Incidentally, some asparagus farms even offer asparagus beer!
Of course, it works just as well without alcohol. Lightly sparkling mineral water with a moderate mineral content sensitizes the taste buds to the delicate asparagus aroma. A squeeze of lemon and a slice of cucumber make it even fresher and more well-rounded.
For those with a sweet tooth, a splash of rhubarb, elderflower, or strawberry syrup in sparkling water makes a delicious change. These fruity flavors pair well with asparagus and evoke the feeling of approaching summer.
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