Asparagus Stems: How to Use Them and a Zero Waste Recipe

Welcome to a new edition of our Zero Waste in the Kitchen column!
Today we enhance the stems of asparagus, often discarded because they are considered too tough, but actually rich in fiber, vitamins and valuable minerals.

With a little care and the right cooking, even this part of the asparagus can turn into a versatile and tasty ingredient, perfect for reducing waste in the kitchen without sacrificing the pleasure of a tasty recipe.

The stalks of asparagus

Asparagus is a herbaceous plant with many beneficial properties, prized mainly for its tips. The stems, however, share many of the same nutritional characteristics and are worth recovering.

Asparagus stalks:

• are rich in fiber, useful for intestinal well-being

• help counteract the water retention

• contain vitamin C, quercetin and campferol, with antioxidant action

• bring vitamin K, important for blood coagulation

• are a good source of potassium, useful for blood pressure control

When cooked properly, they turn out tender and flavorful, ideal for appetizers, side dishes, and fillings.

Fillo dough rolls with asparagus stalks

A simple and crispy recipe, perfect as an appetizer or spring finger food.

Ingredients:

• Stems of a bunch of asparagus
• 8 sheets of phyllo dough
• Chives to taste.
• Extra virgin olive oil q.b.
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Preparation:

• Wash the asparagus stalks and remove the tough end. Cut them into thin rounds.

• Cook them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a dash of water, salt and pepper for about 10 minutes, until soft.

• Roll out a sheet of phyllo dough and spread some of the asparagus stalks in the center.

• Roll it up forming a roulade and close it with a strand of chives.

• Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20 minutes, until they are golden and crisp.

Alternatively
For a stronger taste, you can add the following to the filling speck or bacon in strips, while still maintaining the idea of stem recovery.

More ideas and recipes Zero wastes

• I broccoli stalks can be used to prepare crispy chips: quick and easy, perfect for an appetizer.
• If, on the other hand, you are looking for a Zero Waste dessert, you can try the cake with the carrot peels: gluttonous and anti-waste!
• In the section Zero wastes find many more recipes to reduce waste in the kitchen.
• Asparagus is the protagonist of our Asparagus velouté and also of the Asparagus risotto: have you tried them yet?