Asparagus season is something we eagerly anticipate every year, and there’s something extra special about white asparagus. This White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce is a perfect dish to celebrate the spring harvest and indulge in the creamy richness of hollandaise sauce. It’s elegant, flavorful, and ideal for a fancy brunch or a delightful dinner.
We first tried this dish during a visit to a charming little café, where white asparagus was in season. The experience was so memorable that we knew we had to recreate it at home. White asparagus has a more delicate, subtle flavor than green asparagus, and when paired with a rich and velvety hollandaise sauce, it’s simply divine. 🌿
🌱 Why We Love This White Asparagus Dish
✔️ Delicate & Elegant – The soft, delicate flavor of white asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich hollandaise.
✔️ Creamy Hollandaise Sauce – Silky smooth, buttery, and perfectly balanced in flavor.
✔️ Classic Comfort – A refined dish that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to make.
✔️ Perfect for Spring – A seasonal dish that highlights the best of what spring has to offer.
💡 Fun Fact: White asparagus is grown underground, which prevents it from photosynthesizing and turning green, resulting in its more subtle, tender taste.
🍽️ The Secret to Perfect White Asparagus
White asparagus is a little more delicate than its green counterpart, which makes prepping it just right important. We love to peel the stalks to ensure they’re tender and free from any tough, fibrous bits. Then, we steam or boil them until they’re just tender—not too soft—so they retain their perfect texture. The end result is a crisp-tender bite with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a bit of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to the water when cooking the asparagus. It really enhances its natural flavor.
🧈 The Creamy Magic of Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is a buttery dream. It’s rich, tangy, and velvety smooth, making it the perfect partner for white asparagus. We make our hollandaise with simple ingredients like egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of mustard powder for added depth. The key to a successful hollandaise is in the technique—it requires a gentle hand and patience while slowly emulsifying the ingredients together to create a smooth sauce.
💡 Quick Tip: If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar makes a great substitute, giving the sauce that needed acidity.
🍋 Adding a Zesty Twist
While classic hollandaise is wonderful on its own, we like to brighten up the flavor by adding a bit of fresh lemon zest. It adds a fresh burst of citrus that balances the richness of the sauce and the sweetness of the asparagus. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brings everything together and gives the dish a light, refreshing finish.
💡 Pro Tip: A dash of cayenne pepper in the hollandaise sauce adds a gentle kick and extra depth of flavor!
🥂 Pairing This Dish for the Perfect Meal
White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce is a great dish to serve at any special occasion or to elevate a weekend brunch. It pairs wonderfully with a light white wine, like a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the creamy, buttery notes of the hollandaise sauce. It also works well alongside a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
💡 Looking to make this a main dish? Add a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a grilled vegetable medley for a complete, satisfying meal.
🌼 Perfect for Spring Celebrations
There’s something inherently celebratory about white asparagus, and serving it with a silky hollandaise sauce makes it feel like a true indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is a showstopper that will wow your guests.
This dish has become one of our go-to favorites for special occasions, and we hope it becomes one of yours too. It’s a timeless classic with a little touch of spring magic, bringing comfort and elegance to your table. 🥂💚
Ingredients
White asparagus
- 1 kg white asparagus
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
Hollandaise Sauce
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 150 g unsalted butter melted
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Parsley Potatoes
- 800 g small potatoes cleaned
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the white asparagus, removing the tough outer layer. Trim the ends.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil with salt, sugar and butter. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and keep warm.
- For the Hollandaise Sauce: In a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice until thickened.
- Gradually add melted butter, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and white pepper.
- For the parsley potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain.
- Melt butter in a pan, add the boiled potatoes and toss with fresh parsley. Season with salt.
Notes
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, can complement the creamy hollandaise and earthy asparagus beautifully, elevating your dining experience.
- Final Touch: A sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish can add a fresh, vibrant finish that cuts through the richness of the hollandaise sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
🥦 Can I Use Green Asparagus Instead of White?
Yes! Green asparagus can be used as a substitute for white asparagus. It will have a slightly stronger flavor and vibrant color, but it will still pair wonderfully with the hollandaise sauce.
🍋 Can I Make the Hollandaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
It’s best to serve hollandaise sauce fresh, as it can separate if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the base ahead and reheat it gently over low heat while whisking to restore the smoothness.
🥚 Can I Make This Recipe Egg-Free?
Yes! To make the hollandaise sauce vegan, use silken tofu or cashew cream as a base, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
🔥 How Do I Cook White Asparagus to Keep It Tender?
White asparagus is more fibrous than green, so it’s important to peel the stalks before cooking. Steam or boil them until they are tender but still slightly firm to retain the best texture.
🧄 Can I Add More Flavor to the Hollandaise Sauce?
Yes! You can enhance the sauce with a pinch of turmeric (for color), a dash of Dijon mustard, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
🌡️ How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The hollandaise sauce is best consumed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat gently, adding a little water or plant-based milk to bring it back to the right consistency.
We hope these tips help you make the perfect White Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce! Enjoy! 🥦🍋🌱
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