Andalusian Asparagus Esparragos A La Andaluza Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Andalusia with this delicious asparagus recipe! Tender asparagus spears are blanched then tossed in a fragrant garlic, breadcrumb, and spice paste for a truly unforgettable dish. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover bread ends or freezer scraps, transforming them into a flavorful base for this simple yet elegant side or light meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 102.4 kcal
Protein 6g
Rating 4.6 (5 Reviews)
Andalusian Asparagus Esparragos A La Andaluza 25

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Andalusian Asparagus Esparragos A La Andaluza

  • Fresh Asparagus
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Garlic Cloves
  • 1/2 cup cubed stale bread
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Wine Vinegar
  • Water as needed (Start with 1-2 tablespoons, add more for desired paste consistency and to adjust the sauce)
  • 2 large eggs (optional)

How to Make Andalusian Asparagus Esparragos A La Andaluza

  1. Blanch 1 pound of asparagus in a pot of lightly salted boiling water for 2 minutes.
  2. Drain the asparagus and set aside.
  3. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 cup cubed stale bread. Fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Transfer the garlic and bread to a blender. Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar), and 1-2 tablespoons of water. Blend until a smooth paste forms, adding more water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  5. Add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the blanched asparagus and sauté for about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the breadcrumb paste and 1/4 cup water.
  7. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
  8. (Optional) In a separate bowl whisk 2 large eggs. Gently stir the eggs into the asparagus mixture. Continue cooking over low heat until the eggs are set, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

9g

Fat

5g

Carbs

2g