What is it exactly that marks the arrival of a new season? A change in weather? An alignment in the stars? Or, could it be the new stocks of a particular vegetable?
If that last marker feels right to you, take this collection of recipes as an official announcement of
There are many ways to utilise the vegetable during its limited run. You might serve it simply panfried in garlic, scattered fresh in a seasonal salad, or paired with poached eggs. For those who are a little more resistant to the earthy flavour, why not try it dropped into a homemade saucy gnocchi or baked into golden pastry?
Or, if you’re committed to a morning tea classic, there are, of course, a couple of varieties of the asparagus roll.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XAJAEBIQ6CHBYF6GFTKZCFKYMI.jpg?auth=ce6f8e02f984dffae258bbeea7c86daf865df5a9a91b4dda2a038722a28b4e06&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
This one-pan bake is a breezy dinner dish, boasting plenty of flavour from the capers, dill and hot smoked salmon.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2J63H3GSDQNUICHG7VLWEG2CXE.jpg?auth=e092c2af700ff5c0e9e87c2542d7c62481bb2eccabcf3bd5401e5e3b47e2b401&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
A creamy and powerful blue cheese sauce dresses this comforting pasta dish. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.
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Advertise with NZME.![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/RHNGEMHSV5UPZSW3WX6NGWSTFA.jpg?auth=5bda1db2f3f520173fdbe31b14fb974b069741482070d515be201d316ee6264d&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
These double-wrapped asparagus rolls have a more complex range of flavours than the classic variety.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3BOSEQOVNUDX6OUVJVQTWAOIDU.jpg?auth=eb0ac2a19460c888bfe7deec4ae9e43df17f8abd876c1359139d8e5e8cafd6ed&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Tasty caramel walnuts add a crunchy and sweet element to this salad, which feels hearty thanks to baked cauliflower.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DLDFAPDTKHNKWVIRRQG5YQ6YWQ.jpg?auth=1eba6dc9bcb7390a529f392e70ec1939d0d797d6b288b8f0163706a72b191add&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
If you’re looking for a deeper flavour, turn to this oven-baked dish. A touch of lemon zest adds brightness.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4BM2UZDC2JB47HICFSLUNGKPYU.jpg?auth=ebe04d914a3b66559dba43af8d846234b2be77d1eccd8b2ed5ff883a10eb6868&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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Advertise with NZME.This simple and vibrant dish will become a quiet champion during a dinner party.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KCVX5NDL44YECYSBUCWF7KK5UY.jpg?auth=09d4c8e46410bfbdcb00ba22095b253e93dca498868e117f5f7f2da76d41ffe6&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
This cheesy tart is an excellent addition to a picnic spread — totally portable and easily shared.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/P7WUJ6PPYLJLWVN42YPILGQRW4.jpg?auth=037ed5b79309468dc62dd0c1eca383272edeac08a4b723d492a92e7ca2aa5d90&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
A runny poached egg doubles as a lush sauce for this dish, best served for breakfast or brunch.
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/JECSQ5JG2ZEOA53RA5WHLJOJHE.jpg?auth=3918cde21731fadd4479139d0fed7c91684aac2f6675451e31fc5e113e59b389&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
This rustic loaf, adorned with tender asparagus and filled with oozy cheese, is perfect for al fresco dining.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/R5KQBX6KGUGCPMHSOZT2GXH6TE.jpg?auth=97813509808dc740fb6c04751ad2dec51b8d3b69e4b72ee751cc06afe2c86404&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This super seasonal salad, which mixes the snappy vegetable with zesty citrus, has the addition of a few cute microgreens.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4XKA3Z32BUO5CZZV42QKERGKRY.jpg?auth=92c90f0d68927b4a31e4a75bce551cb4b6b4e131a9d1da28a648491f0bc6be2c&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Golden, flaky and full of cream cheese — how could you say no to these baked asparagus delights?
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/LPQPCI6MTBD53BDYTHNTOJZF2E.jpg?auth=705121479fe945e9e7d52fba25162f8e0c02668d147b202759af34948ead35d1&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This salad is layered with so many textures, mixing satisfying crunch with a creamy dressing and crispy croutons.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/HDQ3QK6ZYNZDMKAWSUZQUITC7Y.jpg?auth=8a410034274924393b5d29d5771e45607d6c835f684167f6cc3de4cbca33cf76&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This loaded spring salad embraces many fresh flavours of the season — think beetroot and eggplant drizzled with miso dressing.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/AO6PJVFH67A3O73564LGUZRXAY.jpg?auth=a8ee7d49c4c04fa9dbe2533293f3e4304a36f174440c7b0f955b7b644262122c&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Plate up these perfect party bites for a sunny afternoon soiree.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NW65H35AIY5I4NC5VT4BEY467Q.jpg?auth=78f832f7175c30e9402ed04d858c250dbb73def28e1f45de08f22452772a2979&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Pair this rustic serving with a crusty baguette and dip into a hearty and garlicky dip.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FEQMUKWVQJGS3GHGMXP3XZ2J4A.jpg?auth=8125100caa8f747fe84564b9fe0eb2e4bd5a0c80ab6041285acd37dc77c98e0f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This warming pasta is topped with chopped dill and finely grated parmesan.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/HYQQTJFPOZE4BNHAE3XOZZC5PU.jpg?auth=7a8bc8d7007e4df3227317a9a85a6a01ee9774c62654e4fc6516f690c31828cd&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This recipe is fresh from Angela Casley’s kitchen, served up to celebrate the season. This pasta is luscious and cheesy and pairs well with the new-season vegetable.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XEXLFI7R6DMNHLLDI6BYD6UOEQ.jpg?auth=7111b03ba80cef3a96e6052d795cb4d3f3da182cfad01bf086278ecb7d0236dc&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
A total classic that’s just a little divisive. Serve these at your summer barbecue if you’d like to inspire passionate conversation.