Asparagus and Pimento

Asparagus and Pimento Recipe with Pine Nuts and Lime Juice

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Asparagus and Pimento is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of fresh asparagus with the sweet and tangy flavor of pimento, all brought together with a hint of citrus from lime juice and a crunch from toasted pine nuts. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious choice that can serve as a delightful side dish or a healthy snack. Its simplicity and elegance make it a perfect addition to any meal, offering a refreshing break from heavier dishes.

History

The recipe for Asparagus and Pimento has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where both asparagus and pimentos are staples in many dishes. Asparagus has been appreciated since ancient times for its unique flavor and medicinal properties, while pimentos add a pop of color and sweetness to a variety of dishes. This recipe is a modern take on traditional ingredients, combining them in a way that is both simple and sophisticated, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

1 to 1.25 lb (567 g) of fresh asparagus
1 cup of water
2 tbsp of fresh lime juice
0.25 cup of diced pimento
1 tbsp of toasted pine nuts

How to prepare

Rinse the asparagus and snap off the tough ends.
In a large skillet, bring water to a boil and add the asparagus.
Cover and steam the asparagus until it turns bright green, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the asparagus from heat, drain it, and arrange it on a platter.
Sprinkle lime juice over the asparagus and garnish it with pimento and pine nuts.
Serve the asparagus warm or chilled.

Variations

For a spicy twist, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when garnishing. To make the dish more substantial, top with crumbled feta or goat cheese. For a different nutty flavor, substitute toasted slivered almonds or walnuts for the pine nuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, choose fresh, firm asparagus spears with closed tips. Thinner spears are ideal for this recipe as they are more tender and cook more quickly. When toasting pine nuts, do so in a dry skillet over low heat, shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning. They can go from golden to burnt very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. If you prefer your asparagus with a bit more bite, reduce the steaming time by a minute.

Serving Suggestions

Asparagus and Pimento can be served either warm or chilled, making it a versatile dish for any season. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken for a light, healthy meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside quinoa or a mixed greens salad.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the asparagus preserves its nutrients and vibrant green color, making it the preferred cooking method for this recipe. However, for a charred flavor, you can grill the asparagus instead, being careful not to overcook it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pimentos are not available, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute. Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice for a different citrus note. For those with nut allergies, roasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds can replace pine nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

The asparagus can be steamed and refrigerated up to a day in advance. Before serving, bring to room temperature and add the lime juice, pimentos, and pine nuts. This makes it easy to assemble the dish quickly when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the asparagus on a platter in a neat bundle for an elegant presentation. Scatter the pimentos and pine nuts evenly over the top, and if desired, garnish with lime zest or fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with light-bodied white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the freshness of the asparagus and the acidity of the lime juice. For non-alcoholic options, a cucumber water or a citrus-infused sparkling water would be refreshing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Asparagus and Pimento can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, as reheating may cause the asparagus to become overly soft.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Asparagus and Pimento is low in calories, with approximately 60 calories per serving. This makes it an ideal dish for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without consuming too many calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their intake. A serving of Asparagus and Pimento contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates, most of which come from the asparagus itself. The lime juice and pimentos add negligible amounts of carbohydrates.

Fats

The primary source of fat in this recipe comes from the pine nuts, which contribute healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. A serving contains about 4 grams of fat, making it a low-fat option that still provides a satisfying richness to the dish.

Proteins

Asparagus and Pimento is not a high-protein dish, with each serving containing about 3 grams of protein. The protein comes mainly from the asparagus and pine nuts. For those looking to increase the protein content, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or serving alongside a lean protein source.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the asparagus and pimentos. Asparagus is also rich in iron, folate, and potassium, making it a nutritious choice that supports overall health. The pine nuts add a boost of magnesium and zinc.

Alergens

The primary allergen to be aware of in this recipe is pine nuts, which are tree nuts. Those with a tree nut allergy should omit the pine nuts or substitute them with a non-allergenic ingredient, such as roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch.

Summary

Overall, Asparagus and Pimento is a nutritious, low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, low in carbohydrates and fats, and contains a modest amount of protein. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful side dish.

Summary

Asparagus and Pimento is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the best of fresh ingredients with a burst of flavor from lime juice and pimentos, all topped off with the crunch of toasted pine nuts. It is nutritious, easy to prepare, and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, it is sure to delight the palate and contribute to a healthy diet.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for tea. As we chatted and sipped our tea, Margaret suddenly got up and disappeared into the kitchen. I could hear the clatter of pots and pans, and the wonderful aroma of cooking wafted through the air.

When Margaret emerged from the kitchen, she was carrying a platter of the most beautiful asparagus and pimento dish I had ever seen. The vibrant green of the asparagus contrasted perfectly with the bright red of the pimentos, and the whole dish was topped with a sprinkling of toasted almonds. I couldn't wait to try it.

Margaret smiled as she set the dish down on the table. "This is a family recipe," she said. "My grandmother used to make it for us when we were children, and it has been a favorite ever since."

I took a bite of the dish, and it was like a burst of flavor in my mouth. The asparagus was perfectly cooked, tender yet still with a bit of crunch, and the pimentos added just the right amount of sweetness and tang. The toasted almonds added a lovely crunch to the dish, and I couldn't help but ask Margaret for the recipe.

She was happy to share it with me, and she even wrote it down on a card for me to take home. I cherished that recipe card, and I couldn't wait to try making the dish for myself.

When I got home, I gathered all the ingredients I would need for the dish. Fresh asparagus, a jar of pimentos, some sliced almonds, and a few simple seasonings. I set to work in the kitchen, following Margaret's instructions to the letter.

As the dish cooked, the kitchen filled with the wonderful aroma of asparagus and pimentos mingling with the other flavors. I could hardly wait for it to be done so I could taste the results of my efforts.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite. It was just as delicious as Margaret's had been, and I was thrilled with how well it had turned out. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own recipe collection, and I couldn't wait to share it with my own friends and family.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, always with the same love and care that Margaret put into it. I have shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making this special dish from generation to generation.

Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day at Margaret's house, of the laughter and friendship we shared, and of the delicious meal that brought us together. It is a reminder of the power of food to create connections and memories, and of the joy that can be found in a simple recipe made with love.

So whenever I make my beloved asparagus and pimento dish, I say a silent thank you to Margaret and her grandmother for sharing this recipe with me. It has become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, and I will always be grateful for the day I first saw this recipe and was captivated by its beauty and flavor.