health

How to save asparagus trimmings from the food-waste bin – recipe

Transform this tough offcut into an intensely delicious compound butter that’s perfect with eggs, bread, gnocchi or anything else you can think of

How to save asparagus trimmings from the food-waste bin – recipe

TL;DR

  • Asparagus butts, typically fibrous, can be transformed into a flavorful compound butter.
  • Finely chop the asparagus butts (less than 5mm thick).
  • Blanch the chopped butts for 90-120 seconds in salted boiling water.
  • Shock the blanched butts in an ice bath, then drain and press dry.
  • Puree the dried asparagus butts with an equal or greater weight of butter and optional garlic and herbs in a food processor.
  • Finish with flaky sea salt to taste.
  • The compound butter can be stored in the fridge for up to two days or frozen for up to three months.