Asparagus is one of the green vegetable known for its slender spears and often one of the first signs of spring.
When asparagus is in season, I make sure that I get a bunch every time I go shopping. If I don’t eat them right away, I simply freeze them.
This recipe I thought I would share as an easy make.
Taste is creamy, with a smooth texture. Unless you decide not to blend it completely as I did.
Enjoy with crunchy gluten free crackers or tortillas.
Diet:
This is a low calorie recipe with just a spray of heathy fat from the olive oil. It contains protein and fibre from the lentils. A complete meal.
Different colours of Asparagus
GREEN asparagus is by far the most common.
PURPLE asparagus tastes a bit sweeter than green.
WHITE asparagus has a milder, more delicate flavour. White asparagus is grown in large quantities in France, which is why it’s commonly found in Europe. The vegetable is grown entirely underground so color-producing chlorophyll never develops and the stalks stay white.
Thicker asparagus are usually more tender than slimmer ones. You’ll want to choose spears with compact tips
Storage
Keep your asparagus whole and store it in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness and moisture, wrap the ends in a damp paper towel. Place them in a plastic bag and store them upright in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy them within 4 days of purchase is the general recommendation.
Do no wash the spears until you’re about to cook them. Because they may harbor bacteria while being stored in the refrigerator.
Why your pee smells after eating Asparagus.
Asparagusic acid is a sulfur-containing compound that seems to be found exclusively in asparagus.
It is a nontoxic substance that produces a sulfurous odor. It smells very similar to rotten cabbage.
Once your body eats the asparagus, the body metabolizes the compound asparagusic acid. It produces several sulfurous by products that vaporize easily.
When you pee, these compounds evaporate almost immediately. This enables them to travel from the urine up to your nose. Some people notice the rotten-like smell as early as 15–30 minutes after eating asparagus. Studies have determined that within 25 minutes, half of the asparagusic acid consumed has already been absorbed. But it can last for 4–14 hours.
But some do not smell this strange phenomenon!
A study published in the BMJ polled nearly 7,000 people and asked them if they noticed a strong characteristic odor in their urine. It was about 40 percent of the respondents said they did smell it.
- Not everyone digests the acid in a way that releases the sulfur, or they lack the enzyme to digest them.
- Researchers have determined some people possess a certain genetic makeup that prevents them from smelling anything weird. Well that would come in handy sometimes!
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Fat, Sodium Friendly, Diabetic Friendly, Celiac Friendly.
References:
What Is Asparagus? Benefits, How to Cook, and Why It Makes Your Pee Smell | Everyday Health
Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell? (healthline.com)
Creamy Asparagus and Lentil Soup -Gluten Free Vegan
A great creamy tasting soup without the use of oils, and cheese which keeps that meals health but so delicious!
Lentils added will give you the added protein you need for a complete meal. Enjoy with some sliced veggies or a few gluten free crackers.
Vegan, vegetarian, plant based, celiac friendly, diabetic friendly
- Strainer
- Large Sauce Pan
- Immersion blender
- Spatula or Spoon
- cup, 1/4 cup
- tsp, 1/4 tsp
- 1 bunch Asparagus. Rinse, break off hard stems and recycle. Chop asparagus into pieces.
- 1 Quick spray of Olive oil for the sauce pan
- 1 Scallion or 1/2 white onion
- 1/4 cup Red lentils. Rinsed and drain.
- 1 tsp Better than Bouillon or organic bouillon cube
- 1 cup Water filtered
- 2 cups Oat milk – it give the soup the creaminess (You could also use soy milk or coconut milk)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper ground
Optional for a little heat
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
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Mix the bouillon with the 1 cup of water. If using the cubes, then use hot water and mix well.
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Large pan add a light coating of olive oil. Set aside.
Prepare the asparagus. Wash, snap off the hard stem ends and throw in compost. Chop the asparagus into pieces.
Prepare the scallion or white onion. Peel, and roughly chop into pieces.
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Add asparagus and onion into the large pan. Set on stove to medium heat.
Add in the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
Stir once in a while so the vegetables do not burn. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add in the bouillon mix and stir well. Bring to a boil and turn down the heat to medium low.
Add in the 2 cups of milk, the lentils, and stir well. Cook for 20 minutes. Check that the asparagus is cooked and soft.
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When fully cooked, use a blender to bring the soup to a creamy but with a bit of texture left if desired. Or until completely smooth.
Serve.
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If there is any left overs, allow to cool completely. Put into a mason jar or glass container and put in the fridge. Lasts 2 days.
Option is to put in the freezer. Lasts 3 months.