Effortless, this side dish bursts with delicious hints of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan when perfectly paired with asparagus.
Nothing quite says “Springtime” as fresh asparagus. Here’s a recipe that brings out the best in this perennial veggie by roasting. Easy and quick to make and tastes incredibly good, this recipe you’ll use again and again. Roasting strong-tasting vegetables like asparagus caramelize the flavor reducing its natural bitterness. Even the pickiest of eaters will find a liking to roasted asparagus.
Most grocery stores stock asparagus year-round. However, April and May are the peak months when asparagus is at its best. Typically we think of the color green with asparagus, but it also comes in white and purple. White asparagus tastes similar to its green cousin, while purple asparagus is much sweeter.
Choosing asparagus
When choosing asparagus, the color should be bright green with no signs of shriveling, and the tender tips may look purplish but should be firm and never mushy.
Storing asparagus
Once you bring asparagus home, wash in cold running water and trim ends by snipping them. Place asparagus upright in a small glass such as a mason jar filled with about 1/2 inch cold water. Place it in the middle of the refrigerator if possible.
Health benefits
Asparagus brims with healthy nutrients. Beginning with the B vitamin called folate that helps cells regenerate, asparagus is also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant protecting cells; vitamins A and C, both suitable for beautiful skin and eye health; and potassium, excellent for fighting high blood pressure.
Cooking asparagus
This favorite vegetable is quite versatile when it comes to cooking it. The top five methods of cooking asparagus include grilling, sautéing, blanching, steaming, and roasting. Whichever method of cooking asparagus is your favorite, you’ll be fueling your body with a nutritious and delicious veggie good for your health.
Oven Roasted Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
Oven Roasted Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus spears
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash and trim asparagus.
- Place asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over spears, then toss spears to coat.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over spears.
- Distribute chopped garlic evenly over spears.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over spears.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over spears.
- Bake until tender, 12-15 minutes
Notes
