Asparagus consommé

06/25/2025

Today, together with our Cesarina Anna from San Quirico d’Orcia, we learn how to prepare a delicious Asparagus Consommé.

"This was a dish my mother used to make (and before her, my grandmother) during asparagus season. I still remember those warm spring afternoons spent in the pine forest with my family, foraging for wild asparagus. My brother and I would challenge our father to see who could gather the most, but we always lost."

Asparagus consommé is a dish that combines the bold flavor of fresh, seasonal asparagus with the richness of a flavorful broth, creating a perfectly balanced experience for the palate. Known for its light and refined character, this versatile recipe brings together fresh asparagus, poached egg, and parmesan shavings—ideal for those seeking a light yet flavorful culinary experience.

Like many traditional dishes passed down through generations, asparagus consommé comes with family-specific variations. Some, for example, add the eggs directly to the pot once the asparagus is cooked. Others, once the eggs are set, stir in a mixture of grated stale bread, cheese, black pepper, and parsley, letting it cook for another minute.

Anna, on the other hand, adds her own personal touch: poached egg and parmesan shavings for a more modern and elegant take. Thanks to its lightness and subtle flavor profile, asparagus consommé is an excellent choice during the spring months, when asparagus is in season.

Asparagus: Properties and Health Benefits

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is one of the most beloved spring vegetables, appreciated for its bold yet slightly grassy flavor and especially for its versatility in the kitchen. Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, asparagus is an excellent source of nutrients.
Although low in calories, it’s rich in antioxidants and provides a range of vitamins (A, C, E, K) as well as essential minerals. It’s also high in fiber and known for its natural diuretic properties, helping the body eliminate excess fluids.

Asparagus consommé

A traditional dish of Italian cuisine, asparagus consommé is ideal for those looking for a light yet flavorful meal

DifficultyMedium

Preparation time20m

Cooking time40m

Servings5

€

CostLow

Ingredients

500 g of asparagus
2 garlic cloves
1 small bunch of parsley
Black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Salt or vegetable stock cube, to taste
750 ml of water
Parmesan flakes, to taste
For the poached eggs:
500 g of water
50 g of white vinegar
5 eggs

Method

Clean the asparagus and cut them into pieces about 3–4 cm long.
Place the asparagus in a baking dish and add olive oil, pepper, whole garlic cloves (so you can easily remove them later), parsley, salt (or a stock cube), and water.
Cook for 20–30 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
In another small pot, combine the water and vinegar and bring to a boil.
Using a whisk, create a whirlpool in the boiling water and gently drop in a whole egg that you’ve previously cracked into a small bowl.
Let it cook for about 2 minutes without touching it.
After the time is up, remove the egg with a slotted spoon and place it over the plated asparagus, which you've already topped with Parmesan flakes.
Repeat the same process with the remaining eggs, one at a time.
Serve the dish warm.