When spring arrives, there’s nothing better than fresh asparagus as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Roasted Asparagus is an easy and quick side dish that I love to make during the spring season.
Asparagus is often used in Italian recipes such as side dishes, pasta, risotto and salads and its flavor is sweet. I grew up eating the white variety, which is a DOP product from Bassano, a rident town in the Veneto region and is in season during April and May. They are usually served with boiled eggs, for a quick and healthy lunch.
Why you will love this recipe
– It’s quick and easy to prepare, which means there’s no excuse to incorporate more greens into your diet.
– It’s a classic Italian spring dish.
– It is vegetarian friendly.
– It’s a versatile dish…read on to find out!
– They are great for a formal dinner too
Asparagus varieties and characteristics
There are 3 varieties of asparagus:𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻, white and purple.
The green variety is the most popular and is widely grown in the United States and Asia. It is rich in cholorpyls and is also the most nutritious among the 3 varieties. The 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 asparagus is mainly grown in Italy and France. This variety is very close to my heart because it is a DOP product from Bassano, in the Veneto region. I grew up eating it and it is usually a delicacy served with eggs or in a risotto in the spring.
I must confess that I can’t wait to go home and eat this asparagus! The 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗲 variety was first harvested in Albenga, a small town in Liguria, and is also a product of DOP. White and purple asparagus are creamier and butterier than the green variety because they contain less fiber. The white and purple are very seasonal and available only in local markets, but if it happens that you will travel there in the spring is worth tasting them.
What does the asparagus taste like? Well, the green is more grassy, the white a little more bitter, and the purple usually a little sweeter and fruitier.
Asparagus has many important properties, including being rich in vitamin K, E, and folic acid. They lower high blood pressure, help with weight loss and bloating.
So why not take advantage of this healthy vegetable, which is now in full bloom?
How to store asparagus
Here’s my tip on the best way to store asparagus. Put the asparagus in a heavy bottomed glass jar or drinking glass and add a little water. Put a plastic bag over it to preserve maximum freshness. Then store it in your refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for days!
How to prepare asparagus
The ends of asparagus are usually a bit woody and I always recommend removing them. There is a quick way to do this. Here’s my tip for you: bend the asparagus toward the ends until it snaps into place. That’s it!
How to prepare roasted asparagus
Turn on your oven and set it to 425 ° F (230°C). Once you’ve cleaned the asparagus, take a baking sheet and line it with a sheet of baking paper that you’ve previously wet and squeezed out. Place the asparagus on top of the baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with the EVOO, just enough to coat them lightly. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper and dress them. Single layer for better and even cooking.
Place the asparagus on the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the asparagus. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the asparagus and toss until the spears are lightly coated with oil. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the pan.
Bake just until the bottom of the asparagus can be easily pierced with a fork.
How long to cook asparagus? My TIP: If your asparagus is thin, it will cook in 10 minutes, but if you bought larger asparagus, it will take 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and some lemon.
Your oven-roasted asparagus are ready and you will have a side dish that tastes like spring and will be devoured in minutes!
Roasted Asparagus Substitutions and variations
This dish is very versatile and you can create as many asparagus recipes as you like.
Make it VEGAN, and DAIRY FREE: remove the Parmesan cheese
REPLACE THE PARMESAN: you can use pecorino cheese, which adds a saltier flavor.
MAKE IT for a MEAT LOVER: wrap the asparagus in bacon or Parma ham and roast it in the oven for 15 min, but leave out the Parmesan and the lemon.
If you want it SPICY: add some chili flakes to the original recipe.
Make it NUTTY : add sliced almonds or shaved pistachios together with lemon but leave out the parmesan.
MAKE IT SWEET: add some honey or balsamic glaze ….sooo good!
Roasted Asparagus serving suggestions
I recommend eating it immediately, as it doesn’t retain its crispness when reheated. They are a great side dish for Pan -roasted veal, veal piccata or to complement any pasta dish.
They are great with baked salmon or fish too.
Other recipe you might like
Pesto Salad with Shrimp and Farro
Ricotta, asparagus, peas, pasta.
Roasted Cauliflower with Asiago Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus green
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp Parmesan grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper crushed
- 4 wedges lemon
Instructions
- Turn on your oven and set it to 425 ° F (230°C). Once you've cleaned the asparagus, take a baking sheet and line it with a sheet of baking paper that you've previously wet and squeezed out.
- Place the asparagus on top of the baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with the EVOO, just enough to coat them lightly.
- Sprinkle them with salt and pepper and dress them. Make a single layer for better and even cooking.
- Bake just until you can easily pierce the asparagus with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and some lemon.
Notes
Nutrition
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Delicati , gustosi , squisiti!