Braised Asparagus (That Your Family Will Actually Eat)

I am on a mission to get my kids to like asparagus. You see, I planted my very first asparagus patch, and when I can finally harvest the spears next season (you have to wait for 1 to 2 years for the plant to get established first), they will definitely be making a regular appearance on our spring dinner table!

Now, similar to homegrown tomatoes, homegrown asparagus is light years above the store-bought stuff. However, even if you can’t grow your own, you’ll still love any asparagus you can get in this new braised asparagus recipe…and so will your family!

Since my 12-year-old is especially disgusted by asparagus, my goal here was to completely disguise it so that it did not look at all like typical spears, and to also include some flavors that she could not resist. So, I sliced them thin (in my food processor) and added one of her favorites…bacon! Bacon makes everything better, right? And, while I’d like to say she scarfed this one down with a smile on her face, she did at least eat three bites without totally gagging—that is progress, and I will take it, people! The rest of my family loved it though, so this one is a keeper in my book.

A Tactic for Picky Eaters

One of my favorite tactics with picky eaters is to make new foods in different ways until you find a winner. That was precisely what I was hoping to do with this dish, and I was happy about the tiny bit of progress! In fact, I think I’ll try this one again soon and add some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top (another favorite of hers). One thing that is for sure, I will not give up easily on my younger daughter and asparagus anytime soon—poor thing, LOL.

Braised Asparagus

Course: Dinner, Sides

Cuisine: American

Keyword: garden fresh, spring vegetable side

Dietary Restriction: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree-Nut Free

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings (Adjust to suit): 4

Calories: 76 kcal

Print

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Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 large shallot, or 2 small, trimmed and peeled
• 2 slices bacon, diced, plus extra for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Fit a food processor with a slicing blade and feed the asparagus and shallot through the feed tube until they are thinly sliced.

2. Heat a skillet (with a tight-fitting lid) over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook until brown and crispy, while stirring, 4 to 5 minutes. 

3. Add the asparagus and shallot to the skillet, cook for another minute while stirring, and then pour in the water and balsamic vinegar. Cover with the lid and let steam for about 2 minutes. Take off the cover and let cook for another minute until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm and season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Recipe Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Braised Asparagus

Amount Per Serving

Calories 76 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 4g 6%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 7mg 2%

Sodium 87mg 4%

Potassium 269mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 17%

Vitamin C 8.2%

Calcium 2.7%

Iron 13.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

PS – Want free bacon? We’ve been getting our meats (including bacon!) from Butcher Box, who offers 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, heritage breed pork, and organic free-range chicken. Right now if you try it out, you can get $15 off and free bacon with your order. Why wait?!

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