America's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated LogoAmerica's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated Logo

Braised Asparagus with Lemon and Chives

By Keith Dresser

Published on March 16, 2022

Time

30 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Braised Asparagus with Lemon and Chives

Ingredients

1 pound thick asparagus 1 cup water ¼ cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon table salt ¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon juice2 teaspoons minced fresh chives , divided

Before You Begin

This recipe is best with asparagus spears that are at least ¾ inch thick.

Instructions

  1.  Trim bottom inch of asparagus spears; discard trimmings. Peel bottom two-thirds of spears until white flesh is exposed. Bring water, broth, oil, and salt to simmer in 12-inch skillet over high heat. Add asparagus in even layer. Reduce heat to maintain vigorous simmer and cover. Cook, gently shaking skillet occasionally, until asparagus is tender and can be easily pierced with tip of paring knife, 8 to 10 minutes.
  2.  Remove lid and continue to cook, shaking and swirling skillet, until skillet is almost dry and asparagus is glazed, 1 to 3 minutes longer. Off heat, add lemon zest and juice and half of chives and toss to coat. Transfer asparagus to platter, sprinkle with remaining chives, season with salt to taste, and serve.

Braised Asparagus with Lemon and Chives

Save

Time

30 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound thick asparagus
1 cup water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon table salt
¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh chives , divided

Ingredients

1 pound thick asparagus
1 cup water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon table salt
¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh chives , divided

Ingredients

1 pound thick asparagus
1 cup water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon table salt
¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh chives , divided

Why This Recipe Works

Braising produces asparagus with a tender, silky texture and sweet, nutty flavor. To achieve consistently cooked spears, we eschewed the tradition of slow cooking in a minimal amount of liquid. Instead we vigorously simmered the vegetable in a copious amount of liquid. We also allowed the braising liquid to evaporate, leaving behind a light glaze that coated the asparagus. Finishing the dish with a small amount of acidity and fresh herbs accentuated the vegetable's sweet flavor.

Want more? Read the whole story

Before You Begin

This recipe is best with asparagus spears that are at least ¾ inch thick.

Instructions

  1.  Trim bottom inch of asparagus spears; discard trimmings. Peel bottom two-thirds of spears until white flesh is exposed. Bring water, broth, oil, and salt to simmer in 12-inch skillet over high heat. Add asparagus in even layer. Reduce heat to maintain vigorous simmer and cover. Cook, gently shaking skillet occasionally, until asparagus is tender and can be easily pierced with tip of paring knife, 8 to 10 minutes.
  2.  Remove lid and continue to cook, shaking and swirling skillet, until skillet is almost dry and asparagus is glazed, 1 to 3 minutes longer. Off heat, add lemon zest and juice and half of chives and toss to coat. Transfer asparagus to platter, sprinkle with remaining chives, season with salt to taste, and serve.

Keep Exploring

This is a members' feature.