Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce

Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce is a delightful and easy-to-prepare dish that combines the fresh, green crunch of asparagus with a tangy and creamy mustard sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick, nutritious side dish or a light meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a favorite among many, and its simplicity ensures that anyone can make it at home with minimal effort.

History

The use of asparagus as a vegetable dates back to ancient times, but the creamy mustard sauce is a more modern culinary invention. The pairing of asparagus with a mustard-based sauce likely originated in European cuisine, where mustard has been a popular condiment for centuries. This recipe brings together these two elements in a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of plain non-fat yogurt
2 tbsp of light mayonnaise
1 tbsp of dijon mustard
2 tsp of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of salt
2 cups of water
1.5 lb (680 g) of asparagus spears, rinsed and trimmed
black pepper to taste

How to prepare

To make the sauce, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and set aside.
In a 12-inch skillet, bring water to a boil over high heat.
Add the asparagus to the boiling water, then reduce the heat and cover tightly.
Simmer the asparagus for 3 minutes or until it is just tender-crisp.
Remove the asparagus from the water and drain it on paper towels.
Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter and spoon the sauce over it.
Sprinkle with black pepper.

Variations

For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Adding a sprinkle of chopped herbs like dill or chives can add a fresh flavor twist to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the asparagus is perfectly cooked, keep an eye on it while simmering. The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture. Overcooking will make it mushy. For the sauce, whisking the ingredients until smooth is key to achieving the right consistency. If the sauce is too thick, a little water or extra lemon juice can be added to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. It also pairs well with quinoa or brown rice for a filling vegetarian option.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the asparagus quickly in boiling water and then draining it ensures that it retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Whisking the sauce ingredients until smooth is crucial for a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If dijon mustard is not available, any mustard can be used, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Greek yogurt can replace plain yogurt for a thicker sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The asparagus can be blanched ahead of time and then quickly reheated or served cold with the sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the asparagus on a platter and drizzle the sauce over the top for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the tanginess of the mustard sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover asparagus and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The asparagus can be eaten cold or gently reheated in a microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce contains approximately 70 calories, making it a light and diet-friendly option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the asparagus and the small amount of mayonnaise and yogurt used in the sauce. A serving of this dish contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the light mayonnaise and the plain non-fat yogurt. These ingredients provide a modest amount of healthy fats, making the dish a good option for those monitoring their fat intake. A serving contains about 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Asparagus is a good source of plant-based protein, and the yogurt adds a small protein boost. Overall, this dish provides about 4 grams of protein per serving, making it a suitable side dish in a protein-balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and several minerals such as iron and potassium. This dish is an excellent way to incorporate a variety of essential nutrients into your diet.

Alergens

The main allergens to be aware of in this recipe are dairy (from the yogurt) and eggs (if the mayonnaise used contains eggs). Those with sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this asparagus dish is low in calories and fats, contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, and provides a good mix of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It's a healthy choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal.

Summary

Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of asparagus paired with a tangy and creamy sauce. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight side dish or a healthy addition to your meal, this recipe is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Margaret was always experimenting with new recipes, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients.

On that particular day, Margaret had just returned from the farmer's market with a fresh bunch of asparagus. As we sat at her kitchen table, she began to prepare the asparagus with a unique sauce that caught my attention. She explained that it was a no-cook creamy mustard sauce that she had learned from her grandmother, who had learned it from a French chef many years ago.

As Margaret whisked together the ingredients for the sauce - creamy Dijon mustard, tangy lemon juice, a touch of honey, and a splash of olive oil - I watched in awe. The combination of flavors was intriguing, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the asparagus was cooked to perfection, Margaret drizzled the creamy mustard sauce over the top and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green asparagus paired beautifully with the rich and tangy sauce, creating a dish that was both elegant and delicious.

I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The asparagus was tender and flavorful, and the creamy mustard sauce added a zesty kick that elevated the dish to a whole new level. I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have served it at family gatherings, dinner parties, and even on quiet evenings at home. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that sunny day at Margaret's cottage and the joy of discovering a new and delicious recipe.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to this recipe, I realize that it is a testament to the power of sharing food and recipes with loved ones. Each time I make this dish, I am not only honoring Margaret and her grandmother but also bringing a piece of their culinary legacy into my own home.

I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have tasted it and fallen in love with its unique flavors. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to impress and delight those who try it.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Asparagus with No-cook Creamy Mustard Sauce, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships, memories, and flavors that have enriched my life. And I can't help but smile as I think about the countless meals that have been shared and savored over a simple dish of asparagus and creamy mustard sauce.