Asparagus with white cheese

Asparagus with white cheese

10 min
Our asparagus with white cheese recipe pairs grilled spears of green asparagus with soft white cheese. The crunch from toasted hazelnuts and the aroma of thyme add layers of taste that will delight your palate. Perfect as an elegant starter or a stylish side dish, this recipe celebrates fresh and simple ingredients.
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https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/asparagus-with-white-cheese/

Instructions

  • Trim the asparagus stems (2 cm) and fry them in a very hot pan with neutral oil for approximately 2 minutes. While frying, season the asparagus with salt to taste.
  • Coarsely chop the hazelnuts and put them to one side.
  • Place the asparagus on a small serving tray and sprinkle the hazelnuts on top.
  • Garnish with the cheese cubes, and finish the dish with thyme and black pepper.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about asparagus with white cheese

This helpful FAQ section will teach you to select the best asparagus and prepare them in the best way possible.

How to pick the right asparagus?
First, look for asparagus with a bright green colour throughout the stalks. They should appear vibrant and fresh without any yellowish or dull tones. Opt for stalks whose tips are tightly closed and compact, as open or mushy tips suggest the asparagus is no longer at its peak. The texture of the stalks should be firm, and they should snap crisply when bent. Pay attention to the stems as well. They should be smooth and uniform with minimal ridging.
How do I know when the asparagus is perfectly cooked?
You can tell asparagus is perfectly cooked when it is tender yet still has some firmness, similar to 'al dente' pasta. If you are frying it, look for a bright green colour with a slight sear, which should take around 2 minutes in a very hot pan.
What is the correct way to trim asparagus?
Start by washing the asparagus under cold water to clean off any dirt, then pat it dry. To remove the tough, woody ends, you can either snap or cut them. Snapping involves gently bending each stalk until it breaks naturally, typically where the tender part ends and the tough part begins. If you prefer uniformly sized pieces, you can align the stalks and cut approximately 2 cm from the bottom ends. 

Ingredients

Green asparagus
500 g
Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine
200 g
Hazelnuts
40 g
Thyme
Black pepper
Salt
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Tips: Perfect your asparagus with white cheese

Our tips will help you cook the perfect tender asparagus with white cheese.

Avoid crowding the pan

Give each spear its space in the pan to achieve beautifully pan-fried asparagus with a light sear. This prevents the asparagus from steaming and becoming soggy, ensuring a tender and crisp texture. If you have a large batch, fry the asparagus in separate batches to make sure they all cook properly. Use a pan that allows you to lay out the asparagus in a single layer with minimal overlap.

Prepare in advance

Prepare your asparagus in advance to save time. Trim the asparagus and then refrigerate them. When ready, quickly fry the asparagus to bring out its bright-green colour and tender texture. This lets you serve a fresh starter without any last-minute fuss.

Try our simple recipe for asparagus with white cheese

Prepare easy asparagus with white cheese and enjoy a simple dish full of fresh flavour. Fried in the pan, the asparagus gets a slightly smoky note that mixes with its natural fresh and earthy flavours. Because of its vibrant green colour and tender texture, asparagus has become a popular starter. Our recipe makes sure to use a few ingredients that pair well so that you can cook up a delicious meal in no time.

With crunchy hazelnuts and tangy, soft white cheese

To complement the tender asparagus, we have added some toasted hazelnuts. They provide a layer of crunch and nuttiness that work wonderfully with the creamy white cheese. The rich, tangy taste of the cheese also helps bring a nuanced flavour to the dish. Finally, the thyme infuses the other ingredients with humble herbal notes.

Enjoy as an easy starter or part of a big dinner

Enjoy our asparagus with white cheese as a light and elegant starter, or simply prepare a small portion when you need a delicious flavour boost. One of the many great aspects of this dish is how versatile it is. You can also serve it as a side dish for a large dinner meal. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats and fish or grilled chicken breast.

Asparagus also goes well with our quick grilled salmon salad and an easy spinach potato salad. We also have a large selection of starters and side dishes for you to explore. Try our recipe for creamy beetroot soup, delicious filo pastry triangles, or roast pumpkin with white cheese and pomegranate.

Make the dish your own

Explore your favourite ingredients and make our recipe for asparagus with white cheese your own. Instead of hazelnuts, you can use almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts. While almonds have a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavour, walnuts have a more robust, earthy flavour with a slight bitterness. Pine nuts are a bit more delicate and add a rich, buttery flavour to the mix. If you are out of nuts or want another type of crunch, try panko breadcrumbs. Their bigger pieces add a crisp finish that is perfect against the soft asparagus. Toast them until golden, then scatter them over the dish for an irresistible texture.

While we recommend thyme for its fragrant quality, you are welcome to use other herbs instead. Rosemary or parsley can add new flavours to the asparagus with white cheese. You might also enjoy a pinch of dill for a subtle change.

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