| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| 2 pounds of fresh asparagus | 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar | 3 tablespoons of olive oil | Salt to taste |
| Pepper to taste | Zest of one lemon | 2 cloves of garlic, minced | 1 teaspoon of sugar |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 10g | 1.5g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 5g | 0.2g |
There’s something strikingly enchanting about the blend of flavors used in the recipe of Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly marries the traditions of Southern fare with a modern, health-conscious vibrancy, making it a staple in my kitchen and a favorite at dinner parties.
The Versatility of Asparagus
Asparagus is not only a burst of green freshness on the plate but also a vegetable of great versatility, capable of being the star of a dish, or a delightful accompaniment. You see, I remember the first time I tasted asparagus – tender, yet crisp, verdant yet subtly sweet. Surprisingly, asparagus is just as welcome in a classic Tex-Mex fajita as an exotic flavor variation as it is nestled beside a beautifully grilled steak.
A Tex-Mex Twist
Nothing speaks the language of refined Tex-Mex cuisine more fluently than Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar. The recipe mirrors the essence of my roots, of home, replete with the multi-faceted flavors that Texas – and I – are known for. Fleshed out with zesty citrus notes from the lemon, the balsamic glaze adds a deliciously tangy counterpoint to the naturally sweet and earthy asparagus. You may associate this dish with its first cousin, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Warm Honey Glaze. This is an interesting take on green veggies with a glaze.
Health Benefits and Pairings
Aside from being delectably flavorful and wonderfully aromatic, asparagus is also loaded with nutrients, such as dietary fibers, Vitamins A, C, E and K, and folate. This green beauty aid in digestion, promotes healthy vision, and even boasts properties that help the body detoxify. Pair the vegetable’s inherent goodness with the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil, and you have a recipe that brings as much nutrition to your plate as it does flavor. The Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar plays well as a side dish to something more substantial like a Filet Mignon with a rich Balsamic Glaze, or as an added crunch to your favorite pasta. While a perfect companion for meaty dishes, this wonderful recipe could also shine as the centerpiece of a vegetarian feast.
The Joy of Cooking and Sharing
There’s no greater joy than preparing a meal that smells divine, tastes wonderful, and nourishes both the body and soul. For me, cooking is more than just about food. It’s about expressing love, forging connections, and leaving a piece of my Texan heritage in every recipe I create. The Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar exemplifies these sentimental dimensions of cooking, and the simple pleasure it brings in every bite is why this dish holds a special place in my heart and kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh asparagus
- 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, prepare a baking sheet with a lining of aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
Step Two
Clean the asparagus by rinsing them under cold water. Trim the ends of the asparagus to remove the tough, woody stems.
Step Three
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Arrange the asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the olive oil mixture, ensuring each stalk is evenly coated.
Step Four
Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the balsamic vinegar reduction.
Step Five
Heat the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow the vinegar to simmer until it reduces by half, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Step Six
Remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the roasted asparagus, and top with freshly grated lemon zest. Serve warm.
