Hosta shoots are edible, and they're available for just a short time in the early spring. So, grab your kitchen shears and head out to the garden for the ultimate spring treat! (Yes, they taste exactly like asparagus!)
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Butter Braised Hostas
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 4 minutesminutes
Total Time 9 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Author Launie Kettler
Ingredients
12 to 16young hosta stems or tightly furled shootsrinsed and dried well
3tablespoonssalted butter
2tablespoonswater or chicken or vegetable stock
½teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Trim away any tough ends and pat the hosta stems dry. If the shoots are thick, split them lengthwise so they cook evenly.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the hosta stems in a single layer and turn them gently in the butter. Pour in the water or stock, season with salt and pepper, then cover the skillet.
Braise for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the stems are tender-crisp and bright green. Remove the lid and let any remaining water evaporate, so that you’re left with a gorgeous butter sauce.
Serve immediately, or let cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.