Asparagus is one of spring’s greatest pleasures — incredibly healthy, very low in calories, and yet so often overlooked! Today I’m sharing a classic Dutch-inspired recipe: asparagus with a light, creamy hollandaise sauce. It makes a beautiful starter or light main course, and pairs perfectly with smoked salmon or trout.
White or green asparagus?
It comes down to personal preference:
- Green asparagus are more tender and firm. No peeling needed, just steam for 10–12 minutes.
- White asparagus have a more delicate, slightly sweet flavour. They need peeling and a longer cooking time.
How to wash asparagus
Simply rinse under cold running water. No scrubbing needed.
How to peel white asparagus
First, cut off the tough, fibrous bottom few centimetres. Lay the asparagus flat on a chopping board and peel from tip to base with a vegetable peeler — being careful not to snap it!
How to cook asparagus
- Boiling: Tie in bundles and cook in salted boiling water for about 25 minutes. They’re ready when a knife tip slides in easily at the stem. Drain immediately — don’t leave them sitting in hot water.
- Steaming/pressure cooker: 10 minutes. This method preserves more vitamins.
- Pan-fried: Melt butter in a pan and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally for golden edges.
Ingredients for the Light Hollandaise Sauce (serves 4)
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp crème fraîche or Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
- Salt and white pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter gently in a small saucepan. Set aside.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (bain-marie), whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick.
- Very slowly drizzle in the melted butter, whisking continuously, until you have a thick, creamy sauce. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the crème fraîche for a lighter texture. Season with salt and white pepper.
- Serve immediately over freshly cooked asparagus spears, with a slice of smoked salmon alongside.
Eet smakelijk! 🌿🇳🇱 (Bon appétit in Dutch!)