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Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Asparagus
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Roasted Asparagus is a simple and elegant side dish featuring crisp-tender asparagus spears enhanced with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional garlic and lemon zest. Roasting brings out natural sweetness and a slight caramelization, resulting in a flavorful, healthy, and versatile vegetable that pairs well with a wide variety of meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus, firm with closed tips
  • 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Optional: Lemon zest or 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for finishing

Optional Variations

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
  • Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat
  • Chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill
  • Lightly toasted gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • Nutritional yeast or tahini for vegan umami flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so the asparagus cooks evenly and develops a crisp-tender texture.
  2. Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and trim off 1 to 2 inches from the woody ends. Pat dry completely to avoid steaming during roasting.
  3. Season the spears: Lay asparagus on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) evenly over the spears. Toss gently to coat all stalks uniformly.
  4. Arrange in a single layer: Spread the asparagus evenly on the baking sheet without overlapping to ensure even roasting and prevent sogginess.
  5. Roast in the oven: Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking or turning the asparagus halfway through to promote even browning. Start checking after 10 minutes to avoid burning.
  6. Add finishing touches: Once roasted, remove from the oven and optionally drizzle fresh lemon juice or sprinkle lemon zest over the asparagus to brighten the flavor. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

  • Choose asparagus spears of similar thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Make sure asparagus is dry before roasting to prevent steaming.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; use a large enough baking sheet for even crisping.
  • Use high heat to caramelize edges and lock in flavor.
  • Customize seasoning by adding herbs, cheese, or spices as desired.
  • Monitor cooking time closely; asparagus cooks quickly and can burn if left too long.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze, flash-freeze spears individually before storing in a freezer-safe bag; use within 1 month.
  • Reheat in oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted asparagus, vegetable side dish, easy vegetable recipe, healthy side, gluten free, oven roasted asparagus

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/roasted-asparagus/