Are you ready to get your asparagus game elevated? Then grab hold of this sensational recipe and bring asparagus back into the limelight! Not merely a side dish but also an audacious statement that poises itself on a dining table, the sharp spicy asparagus with olive oil is an amazing dish. The family members and friends are guaranteed to be left in awe because of its bright taste and omnipresent crunch.
Why Asparagus?
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that need to be picked out of obscurity due to their high nutrient density. You can find vitamins A, C, E and K among others plus fiber and several other antioxidant compounds packed inside it making it an all rounded health solution for everyone who consumes it. Nevertheless some might say this particular vegetable tastes a bit bland sometimes, hence our tangy spiciness!
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Ingredients
To whip up this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus (trimmed)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 lemon (Whole/juiced and zested)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup pitted olives (sliced, for a briny kick)
- 3 cherry tomatoes (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish)
Also Read: Creamy Asparagus and Mushroom Paste: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Firstly, make ready your oven to 400°F (200°C). (High heat helps to makes the asparagus well fried and giving it a nice char.)
- Prepare the Asparagus: Now rinse the asparagus under cold water then trim the hard and woody ends. Then make it dry and place them on a baking sheet.
- Season Generously: In a fry pan, add some olive oil into the asparagus, and add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the asparagus is well coated.
- Add Olives: Scatter the sliced olives over the asparagus. Then add the half cut cherry tomatoes. This olives and tomatoes combines and gives the great flavors with garlic.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Finish with Lemon: Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus and sprinkle with lemon zest for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Serve: If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness. Also serve this dish warm as a side or even as a light main course.
Best tips for making more special
- Get Fresh Asparagus: Seek for stout, shining emerald stalks with tightly knitted ends. This guarantees optimal newness and taste.
- Resist Cooking Too Much: We require your attention to asparagus in the oven. It must be tender-crisp instead of overcooked!
- Try out Different Tastes: Use thyme or smoked paprika as an addition among many other spices or herbs that you can include in order to give it an interesting twist.
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FAQs
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Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
If you want better texture than the one you would get with frozen asparagus, though, having fresh is preferred when making your dish. However, if you have some frozen ones all you need to do is make sure they are thawed and dried off before adding any taste.
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What goes well with spicy asparagus?
Actually, it goes well with grilled chicken or fish or even goes into making a vegetarian platter. If you are looking for the light and healthy dinner, this could be one of the best.
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What vegetable tastes like asparagus?
If you want to know or get alternative of asparagus, Broccoli and broccolini could be the best. -
What if I don’t like olives?
For the similar salty taste in place of olives, use capers or simply ignore them altogether.
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How healthy is asparagus?
It is one of the best Zero pesticidal, organic and nutritious vegetables, you can get the following benefits:
Helps Prevent UTIs.
It has rich Antioxidants.
Contains Vitamin E.
Promotes Reproductive Health.
Is Great for Gut Health.
It is Rich in Folic Acid.
It is also Full of Vitamin K.