Discover the Delicate Delights of Spargel (White Asparagus) in Austrian Cuisine. Learn how to prepare this prized vegetable with a step-by-step guide. 

From washing and peeling to cooking and serving, explore the art of creating tender Spargel. Seasonal and nutritious, Spargel boasts a unique flavor and texture that captivates taste buds.

Spargel is also a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It is high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immune function and can help to protect against illness and disease.

Spargel (White Asparagus) with Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredients:

- 1 bunch of Spargel (white asparagus)

Salt

Water

For the Hollandaise Sauce:

 3 egg yolks

 1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Salt and white pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Spargel:

  - Wash the Spargel thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt.

  - Use a vegetable peeler to peel the outer layer of the Spargel, starting from the top and working your way down.

  - Trim off the woody ends by cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom.

2. Cook the Spargel:

  - In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.

  - Carefully add the prepared Spargel to the boiling water and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the Spargel. Test the tenderness with a fork.

  - Once cooked, remove the Spargel from the water and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess moisture.

3. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce:

  - In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together until well combined.

  - Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and continue whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

  - Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking vigorously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

  - Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

4. Serve:

  - Arrange the cooked Spargel on serving plates.

  - Drizzle the warm Hollandaise sauce over the Spargel or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

  - Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley.

Notes:

1- Enjoy Spargel in Season: The Spargel season in Austria typically lasts from late April to early June. It's best to enjoy this dish when fresh, locally grown Spargel is available.

2- Delicate Handling: Take care when peeling and handling Spargel, as its delicate texture can be easily damaged.

3- Variations: While Hollandaise sauce is a classic pairing, you can also serve Spargel with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, or other favorite sauces.

This dish showcases the exquisite flavor and tenderness of Spargel, making it a delightful addition to Austrian cuisine or any gourmet meal.

Nutrition Facts:

Spargel is a low-calorie vegetable that is also high in nutrients. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium. It is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Here's a simplified nutritional breakdown for each item:

1 bunch of Spargel (white asparagus):

- Calories: About 30-40

- Carbohydrates: About 5-7 grams

- Protein: About 3-4 grams

- Fat: Almost 0 grams

- Sodium: Very low

Salt:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: High (if used in excess)

Water

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0

- Protein: 0

- Fat: 0

- Sodium: 0

Hollandaise Sauce (1 serving, approximately):

- Calories: Around 150-200

- Carbohydrates: About 1-2 grams

- Protein: Around 2-3 grams

- Fat: Around 15-20 grams

- Sodium: Varies based on salt usage

Remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, it's best to consult a nutritional calculator or a registered dietitian.