Spargel (White Asparagus)

Table of Contents

Spargel (White Asparagus) is a popular vegetable in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is grown underground to prevent exposure to sunlight, which keeps it from turning green and gives it its distinctive pale color. This vegetable is enjoyed for its mild flavor and tender texture.

White asparagus is a good source of various nutrients, including vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It also provides folate and dietary fiber. Some potential health benefits of consuming white asparagus include supporting healthy digestion due to its fiber content and providing essential vitamins that contribute to overall well-being.

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How To Make Our Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

Asparagus

2 pounds white asparagus spears
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt

“Hollandaise” Sauce

2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon warm water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2cup salted butter
salt, cayenne

Instructions

1. Preparation of White Asparagus.

a. Wash and peel 2 pounds of white asparagus spears.
b. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of salt.
c. Carefully place the peeled asparagus spears into the boiling water.
d. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the asparagus for 10-15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
e. Remove the cooked asparagus from the pot and drain. Keep them warm.

2. Making the “Hollandaise” Sauce.

a. In a small saucepan, whisk together 2 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
b. Place the saucepan over low heat and continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
c. Slowly add 1/2 cup of salted butter, a little at a time, while whisking continuously.
d. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
e. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Plating.

a. Arrange the cooked white asparagus spears on a serving platter.
b. Drizzle the prepared “Hollandaise” sauce over the asparagus.
c. Serve the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe immediately.

Estimated Prep Time: 20 minutes

Estimated Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment Needed for The Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

Large pot for boiling asparagus
Small saucepan for making “Hollandaise” sauce
Whisk for sauce preparation
Serving platter or dish

Best Way to Store Leftovers From The Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

a. Place any remaining German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe in an airtight container.
b. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
c. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the leftovers.
d. Consume the leftovers within a few days to maintain quality.
e. Reheat the leftovers in a microwave or oven as needed, ensuring they are thoroughly heated before serving.
f. Do not leave leftovers at room temperature for an extended period.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Use a vegetable peeler to ensure thorough peeling of white asparagus.
When boiling asparagus, add sugar and salt to enhance flavor.
Gradually add butter while making the “Hollandaise” sauce to prevent curdling.
Keep the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously to avoid overheating.
Serve the dish immediately for the best taste and presentation.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the The Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

a. Steamed new potatoes with butter and herbs
b. Lemon garlic roasted chicken
c. Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
d. Sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil
e. Rice pilaf with mushrooms and herbs
f. Grilled salmon with a dill sauce
g. Buttered baby carrots with honey glaze

How To Serve the Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

a. Arrange the cooked white asparagus spears on a serving platter.
b. Drizzle the prepared “Hollandaise” sauce over the asparagus.
c. Serve the dish immediately to enjoy it at its best.
d. Accompany with your choice of the suggested side dishes.
e. Enjoy this classic German dish with family and friends.

Dietary Substitution For The Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

1. Vegan Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Substitute white asparagus with green asparagus.
b. Replace egg-based “Hollandaise” sauce with vegan hollandaise made from cashews.
c. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
d. Replace sugar with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup.
e. Use a pinch of turmeric for color in place of egg yolks in the sauce.
f. Try almond milk instead of water in the “Hollandaise” sauce.
g. Use a dairy-free cayenne for seasoning.

2. Gluten-Free Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Ensure that all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
b. Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
c. Use gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce if needed.
d. Check the labels on all ingredients for hidden sources of gluten.
e. Use gluten-free bread crumbs for any additional coatings.
f. Opt for gluten-free cornstarch if a thickening agent is required.
g. Choose a gluten-free seasoning blend for extra flavor.

3. Vegetarian Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Replace sugar with a vegetarian-friendly sweetener.
c. Use free-range eggs for the “Hollandaise” sauce.
d. Opt for organic butter.
e. Season with vegetarian-friendly salt.
f. Ensure the lemon juice is from organic lemons.
g. Use vegetarian-friendly cayenne for seasoning.

4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus as is.
b. Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter.
c. Enhance flavor with Mediterranean herbs like oregano or thyme.
d. Season with sea salt.
e. Add chopped fresh basil to the “Hollandaise” sauce.
f. Garnish with sliced Kalamata olives.
g. Serve with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes.

5. Keto Diet Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use a sugar substitute in place of sugar.
c. Replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for fewer carbs.
d. Opt for ghee instead of regular butter.
e. Season with Himalayan pink salt.
f. Use egg yolks for a creamier “Hollandaise” sauce.
g. Add keto-friendly herbs like rosemary and thyme for flavor.

6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Maintain the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use a small amount of olive oil instead of butter.
c. Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey.
d. Season with heart-healthy herbs like parsley and dill.
e. Opt for low-sodium versions of any seasonings.
f. Choose a light cayenne pepper for seasoning.
g. Serve with a side of steamed heart-healthy greens like spinach or kale.

7. Paleo Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use coconut sugar as a paleo-friendly sweetener.
c. Substitute ghee or coconut oil for regular butter.
d. Season with sea salt.
e. Use free-range eggs for the “Hollandaise” sauce.
f. Enhance flavor with paleo-friendly herbs like basil and mint.
g. Serve with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables.

8. Low Carb Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use a low-carb sweetener instead of sugar.
c. Replace lemon juice with vinegar for fewer carbs.
d. Opt for ghee or a low-carb butter alternative.
e. Season with a low-carb seasoning blend.
f. Use egg yolks for a creamy “Hollandaise” sauce.
g. Add low-carb herbs like chives and tarragon for flavor.

9. Whole 30 Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use compliant sweeteners like dates or date paste.
c. Substitute ghee for regular butter.
d. Season with compliant salt.
e. Use free-range eggs for the “Hollandaise” sauce.
f. Enhance flavor with Whole30-approved herbs like thyme and sage.
g. Serve with a side of sautéed compliant vegetables.

10. Weight Watchers Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use a low-point sweetener in place of sugar.
c. Replace lemon juice with vinegar for fewer points.
d. Opt for a low-point butter substitute.
e. Season with Weight Watchers-approved seasoning.
f. Use egg yolks for a creamy “Hollandaise” sauce.
g. Add low-point herbs like chives and parsley for flavor.

11. Low Fat Options for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Keep the white asparagus and the original sauce.
b. Use a fat-free sweetener in place of sugar.
c. Replace lemon juice with vinegar for lower fat content.
d. Opt for a fat-free butter substitute.
e. Season with low-fat herbs like chervil and cilantro.
f. Use egg whites or a fat-free alternative for a lighter “Hollandaise” sauce.
g. Add zest from citrus fruits for flavor without added fat.

12. Vegetable Variations for the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe:

a. Experiment with different vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
b. Maintain the original “Hollandaise” sauce.
c. Adjust cooking times for various vegetables.
d. Use a vegetable-based seasoning blend.
e. Customize toppings with various herbs and spices.
f. Serve with a side of roasted or grilled mixed vegetables.
g. Explore different vegetable textures and flavors for variety.

It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice. Please note that these substitutions are provided as options to align the recipe with various dietary preferences and restrictions. Always check labels and choose ingredients that fit your specific dietary needs. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

FAQ About The Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe

What is the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe?
The German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe is a traditional German dish made with white asparagus spears, typically served with a creamy “Hollandaise” sauce.

How is white asparagus different from green asparagus in the German Spargel Recipe?
White asparagus in the German Spargel Recipe is grown underground and has a milder flavor and a tender texture compared to green asparagus, which is grown above ground.

What are the key ingredients in the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe?
The main ingredients in the German Spargel Recipe include white asparagus spears, sugar, salt, egg yolks, warm water, lemon juice, salted butter, salt, and cayenne.

Is there a vegetarian version of the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the German Spargel Recipe by using vegetarian-friendly ingredients such as free-range eggs, organic butter, and vegetarian salt.

Can I make a low-carb version of the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe?
Yes, a low-carb version of the German Spargel Recipe can be prepared by using a low-carb sweetener, vinegar instead of lemon juice, and a low-carb butter substitute, along with other low-carb seasonings.

Final Thoughts

“We are a couple who has visited and sampled food in every country in the world. We strive to get a local recipe for every dish we place on our blog. Some we have cooked in our kitchen but most we enjoyed in the restaurants and streets of the world. Our thoughts and opinions are based on the food we loved the most and you may find them and others you will fall in love with as well. Please enjoy the recipe and comment below.”

The German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe is a classic German dish featuring tender white asparagus spears served with a rich and creamy “Hollandaise” sauce. This renowned recipe is a beloved delicacy in Germany and is traditionally enjoyed during the spring season when white asparagus is in peak freshness.

White asparagus, the star ingredient of this dish, is distinct from its green counterpart. It is grown underground, shielded from sunlight, which results in its pale color and delicate flavor. To prepare the German Spargel Recipe, the asparagus is carefully peeled to remove any tough outer layers, leaving behind the tender and flavorful core.

The “Hollandaise” sauce, a key component of this recipe, is made from egg yolks, warm water, lemon juice, salted butter, salt, and cayenne. The sauce is renowned for its creamy texture and rich, buttery taste, which complements the mild flavor of the white asparagus perfectly.

In Germany, the arrival of white asparagus season is eagerly anticipated, and it is celebrated with festivals and markets dedicated to this delightful vegetable. The preparation of the German Spargel Recipe is considered an art, and many restaurants take pride in offering their unique variations of this classic dish.

To enjoy this dish, the peeled white asparagus spears are typically blanched in boiling water with sugar and salt until tender. They are then served with the luscious “Hollandaise” sauce, which is drizzled generously over the asparagus. The sauce adds a velvety texture and a delightful buttery flavor that enhances the natural taste of the asparagus.

While the traditional German Spargel Recipe remains a favorite, there are also variations that incorporate additional ingredients like ham or smoked salmon for added depth of flavor. However, the essence of this dish lies in the harmony between the delicate white asparagus and the creamy sauce.

In conclusion, the German Spargel (White Asparagus) Recipe is a beloved German culinary tradition that showcases the elegance of white asparagus. Its preparation is an art form, and the dish is celebrated during the spring season. The combination of tender white asparagus and rich “Hollandaise” sauce creates a delightful and indulgent culinary experience that is cherished by both locals and visitors alike. Enjoy this classic recipe, and feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.