Parmesan-roasted Asparagus

Parmesan-Roasted Asparagus Recipe | Vegetarian Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Parmesan-roasted asparagus is a simple yet delicious side dish that highlights the natural flavors of asparagus while adding a crispy, cheesy topping. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

History

Roasting asparagus with Parmesan cheese is a popular cooking method that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of the earthy asparagus with the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) of fresh asparagus (about 30 large)
2 tbsp of olive oil
0.5 tsp of kosher salt
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup of freshly grated parmesan
2 lemons, cut into wedges, for serving

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
If the asparagus stalks are thick, peel the bottom half of each stalk.
Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast the asparagus for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
Sprinkle the asparagus with Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for an additional minute.
Serve the roasted asparagus hot and plain, accompanied by lemon wedges.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Top the roasted asparagus with toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds for added crunch.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or lemon vinaigrette for a tangy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your oven before roasting the asparagus to ensure even cooking.

- If the asparagus stalks are thick, peel the bottom half to ensure tenderness.

- Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional seasonings or toppings, such as garlic, lemon zest, or toasted breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Parmesan-roasted asparagus alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.

- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for the Parmesan.

- Use avocado oil or melted butter in place of olive oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the asparagus up to 1 day in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the roasted asparagus on a platter and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair with a light and refreshing salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

- Serve alongside a creamy risotto or pasta dish for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 9g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 9g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 7g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 45% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

This Parmesan-roasted asparagus recipe is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Parmesan-roasted asparagus is a versatile and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Parmesan-roasted Asparagus. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margie at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Margie was always experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and on that particular day, she had decided to make a simple yet delicious dish of roasted asparagus with a twist.

As I watched her gather the ingredients and prepare the asparagus, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the addition of Parmesan cheese. Margie explained that the cheese would add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish and help to create a crispy, golden crust on the asparagus. I had never thought to use Parmesan in this way before, and I was eager to learn more.

As we chatted and sipped on glasses of chilled white wine, Margie shared with me the story of how she had discovered the recipe. She had been traveling through Italy with her husband, exploring the picturesque countryside and sampling all of the delicious local cuisine. One evening, they had dined at a quaint little trattoria in a small village nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The chef had served them a platter of roasted asparagus that had been sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Margie had been so impressed by the dish that she had begged the chef to share his recipe with her.

To her delight, the chef had agreed, and Margie had spent the rest of her time in Italy perfecting the recipe. She had brought it back home with her, and it had become a family favorite ever since. As I listened to her story, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation of the delicious meal that was to come.

As the asparagus roasted in the oven, filling the cottage with a tantalizing aroma, Margie and I set the table and poured ourselves another glass of wine. When the timer finally dinged, we eagerly pulled the dish out of the oven and marveled at the beautiful golden-brown crust that had formed on the spears of asparagus. The Parmesan cheese had melted and crisped up in the heat, creating a perfect balance of savory and salty flavors.

We wasted no time in digging into the dish, savoring each bite and marveling at how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious. The asparagus was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of crunch from the Parmesan crust. I could see why Margie had fallen in love with this recipe, and I knew that it would soon become a staple in my own kitchen.

After that day, I made Parmesan-roasted Asparagus for my family and friends whenever I had the chance. It became a go-to dish for dinner parties and holiday gatherings, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. I loved sharing the recipe with others and telling them the story of how I had learned to make it from my dear friend Margie.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own little touches and variations to make it truly my own. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the asparagus before roasting it, adding a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. Other times, I toss in some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of complexity.

No matter how I choose to prepare it, Parmesan-roasted Asparagus always brings me back to that warm summer day at Margie's cottage by the lake. It reminds me of the joy of discovering new flavors and sharing them with the ones I love. And most of all, it reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

So the next time you find yourself craving something simple yet satisfying, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing it with your own friends and family, passing on the tradition and the story of how you learned to make Parmesan-roasted Asparagus. Enjoy!