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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Vegetable Side Dishes

    Published: Mar 23, 2022 · Modified: Mar 21, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    White Asparagus with Hollandaise and Herbs

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    mix of green and white asparagus on plate.
    white asparagus on plate and hollandaise sauce.
    white asparagus on plate
    white asparagus on plate.

    Do you love asparagus? If so, you're going to love this delicious white asparagus recipe. Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a hollandaise sauce that pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of white asparagus. So get your aprons on and let's get cooking!

    white asparagus on plate with butter sauce and side of herbs.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    If you are new here, know that we are huge lovers of vegetables. Especially, those seasonal vegetables that peak for a short time and then disappear.

    Right now we are making roasted watermelon radishes, the BEST ramp pesto ever, and juneberry tarts. And of course, white asparagus.

    To start let's cover some basics. And if you are an old pro at this, feel free to skip ahead.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • What is White Asparagus?
    • 🧾Ingredients
    • ⏲️Instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🔪Equipment
    • 🌡️Storage
    • Spring Side Dishes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why This Recipe Works

    The herbs in this recipe help to highlight the delicate flavor of the white asparagus. And our homemade hollandaise sauce is simply heavenly. This recipe works because it is simple, yet flavorful.

    White asparagus is more popular, specifically in France, Belgium, and Germany. Making a classic hollandaise and fine herbs the perfect accompaniment.

    What is White Asparagus?

    White asparagus is a variety of green asparagus that has been grown underground. When the asparagus begins to grow soil is piled onto the seedling to keep it in the dark.

    The spears are white because they are not exposed to the sun so no photosynthesis occurred.

    This type of asparagus is milder in flavor than green asparagus, and it tends to be more tender. Although the bottoms of the spears can be a bit tough.

    How Do You Cook White Asparagus?

    White asparagus can be cooked in a number of ways. You can boil, steam, or roast it.

    We love to roast our asparagus, but you can also grill it, or even shave it raw into salads. For this recipe, we are trimming the ends and boiling the asparagus before blanching.

    How to Select White Asparagus

    When selecting white asparagus, look for spears that are firm and have tight tips. The stalks should be smooth and free of blemishes. Avoid asparagus with wrinkled skin or soft spots.

    White asparagus is often thicker than most green or purple asparagus. But not always so adjust your cooking time as needed.

    🧾Ingredients

    recipe ingredients on counter.

    You can use any fresh herbs you like but chives and dill are classic french herbs. If you prefer dried herbs over fresh, try substituting herbs de Provence.

    If you are avoiding eggs consider substituting our herb and garlic compound butter for the sauce.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    ⏲️Instructions

    Start by preheating your oven to 150 F degrees. We are not going to bake the asparagus but we do want to keep it warm after blanching.

    Step 1- Prep White Asparagus

    Before cooking, trim off the woody ends of the asparagus spear with a vegetable peeler or small paring knife.

    recipes steps one and two.

    Step 2- Blanch the Asparagus

    Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the spears are crisp-tender.

    Once they are cooked, remove the asparagus from the boiling water and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

    Quickly drain and move to a platter and place in the warm oven.

    Step 3: Make the Hollandaise Sauce

    In a blender, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

    With the machine still running, slowly pour in the melted butter. Blend until the sauce is thick and creamy.

    If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little tepid water, or more lemon juice.

    hollandaise sauce in blender.

    🥗What to Serve with White Asparagus

    White asparagus pairs well with ham and our modern green bean casserole for Easter dinner.

    But we like to pair this weeknight-friendly side with our very favorite French bavette steak, sous vide pork tenderloin or gluten-free chicken piccata.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    -If you can't find white asparagus, you can use green or purple asparagus in this recipe.

    -If you are not a fan of herbs, you can leave them out of the hollandaise sauce or replace them with tarragon or parsley.

    mix of green and white asparagus on plate.

    🔪Equipment

    A blender is helpful for making the hollandaise sauce, but it certainly isn't required. You can use a wide mixing bowl and whisk. And a lot of elbow grease.

    🌡️Storage

    Leftovers should be covered and stored in the fridge. Store the asparagus and the sauce separately.

    You can make the hollandaise sauce ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to use. Just reheat over low heat before serving.

    The hollandaise sauce can also be frozen. Just thaw in the fridge before using it and follow the directions above for reheating.

    The asparagus can be cooked ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply blanch for 2 minutes and heat in the oven at 300 F degrees.

    Spring Side Dishes

    • Sous Vide Asparagus
    • Dairy-Free Colcannon Potatoes
    • Easy Cream of Celery Soup (Vegan)
    • Eggs Mimosa

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best way to store asparagus before cooking?

    Asparagus can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days before cooking. You can store it upright in a glass of water as you would flowers, or wrap it in damp paper towels and place it in a plastic bag.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    white asparagus with hollandaise and spring herbs.

    White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce and Spring Herbs

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    This impressive and elegant Spring asparagus side dish is actually incredibly easy to make and full of seasonal flavors.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, French
    Servings 4
    Calories 356 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large saucepan
    • Small Saucepan
    • Blender

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound white asparagus ends trimmed

    Hollandaise Sauce with Spring Herbs

    • 2 large egg yolks
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
    • 6 ounces unsalted butter melted

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 150 F degrees. Place a serving platter in the oven.
      1 pound white asparagus
    • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Blanch the asparagus by cooking for 3 to 5 minutes and then plunging into an ice bath. Drain well and move to the warmed platter. Keep warm while making the sauce.

    Hollandaise Sauce

    • Add the egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs into your blender. Blend the egg yolk mixture for 30 to 45 seconds at a medium high speed, until it light and foamy.
      2 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, 1 tablespoon fresh dill
    • Remove the plug from the blender lid. Turn the blender speed to low. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the melted butter. Continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and totally blended. Season to taste.
      6 ounces unsalted butter
    • Top the asparagus with the hollandaise sauce and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Green Asparagus can be substituted for white asparagus. Or mixed together for an eye-pleasing display. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 356kcal | Carbs: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 37g | Fiber: 2g
    Keyword white asparagus with hollandaise
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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