Skip to main content

Asparagus Fritters

I love asparagus and cook it many different ways, and on my visit with the Maugeri family, one of the oldest and largest family produce farms in New Jersey, I discovered this delicious recipe. I was told it is a family recipe handed down through three generations, and I am delighted they shared it with me so I can share it with you.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 10 to 12 fritters

Ingredients

2 bunches medium asparagus spears, peeled at the base (about 22 spears)
5 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus spears, and cook until tender but not mushy, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool them down. Drain and dry the spears, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

    Step 2

    Whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, onion, bread crumbs, flour, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the asparagus pieces.

    Step 3

    Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. (The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles on contact.) Drop 1/4-cup rounds of the asparagus batter into the hot oil, flattening if necessary, to make flat cakes. Cook until golden on the underside, about 2 minutes, then flip, and fry until the fritters are cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Drain the fritters on paper towels, and season with salt.

Cover of the cookbook featuring the author with a table full of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Reprinted with permission from Lidia's Italy in America by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Copyright © 2011 by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.