Zabaione (Egg cream)
- Average
- 25 min
- Kcal 115
Asparagus with zabaglione gives a fresh twist to the classic asparagus recipe from Northern Italy. And here's the thing, instead of the usual butter or lemon, this dish uses a creamy and fluffy egg-based sauce known as savory zabaglione. Now, usually, zabaglione is a sweet dessert, but this one swaps sugar for a tangy blend of dry white wine, black pepper, and just a touch of butter. The result? A bold and tender sauce that perfectly complements every green spear. Really good stuff. Think of it as an Italian upgrade—something a bit fancy yet super approachable. In regions like Lombardy and Veneto, where they pair simple vegetables with rich flavors, you'll find it served as an antipasto.
This asparagus with zabaglione combo surprises many, especially when compared to the usual grilled or steamed asparagus. And the sauce? The silky texture clings to the asparagus, making every bite moist and flavorful, adding a hint of luxury to a spring veggie. Pretty much perfect. This asparagus side dish isn't just for fancy dinners. Nope. It's also popular in Italian families for holiday spreads, Sunday lunches, or as a starter before a bigger meal. The egg-based sauce gets its punch from dry white wine, giving it a slightly zesty kick. Really, it's light yet a little decadent.
Some regions even use this savory zabaglione with other dishes, like poached fish or boiled artichokes. But, pairing it with asparagus? It lets the delicate flavors shine. Seriously good. It is a fantastic way to present asparagus in a new light—especially if you're looking for something different from the usual Italian asparagus recipe. This dish not only highlights the simplicity of asparagus, but it also shows the art of Italian cooking, where even the most basic ingredients become unique. Whether you're hosting a dinner or just want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. For sure.
To prepare the asparagus with zabaglione, wash the asparagus, remove the white parts of the stalks, and scrape them to remove the tougher outer parts How to clean asparagus 1. Gather them into a bundle tied with kitchen string 2 and boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes 3, until they are cooked but still firm. Drain them and keep them warm while you prepare the savory zabaglione.
Place the 4 egg yolks in a thick-bottomed stainless steel pot (which will later be placed in a bain-marie) and beat them with a whisk, adding a pinch of salt 4. Immerse the pot in a bain-marie in another larger pot that contains it, filled to 1/3 with very hot water: the heat must be very low, and the water must never boil, but rather maintain a slight simmer. Add the softened butter while continuing to work the mixture vigorously with a whisk; when the mixture is smooth, start pouring the wine in a thin stream 5, continuing to stir vigorously until the cream begins to thicken 6. Then remove the zabaglione from the heat and pour it over the asparagus tips, sprinkle with pepper to taste, and serve the asparagus with savory zabaglione immediately.