Roasted Asparagus
Tender, roasted asparagus is one of the first vegetables harvested in Spring and is a celebration of warmer days to come. The vibrant spears cook up in only about 15 minutes and are a Spring favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh asparagus
- 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium lemon (zested)
- 1/4 fresh basil (we used purple)
- sea Salt
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) – Set your oven to this temperature to ensure it reaches the optimal heat for roasting the asparagus.
- Rinse a bunch of fresh asparagus under cold water and trim off the tough ends – Wash the asparagus spears under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, cut off the tough ends of the spears, usually about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Place the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper -Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the asparagus from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Place the trimmed asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, ensuring its evenly coated – Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the asparagus spears, ensuring each one is coated. The oil helps to enhance the flavor and aids in the roasting process
- Sprinkle minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper over the asparagus – Evenly distribute the minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper over the asparagus. These seasonings add additional layers of flavor to the dish, complementing the natural taste of the asparagus.
- Toss the asparagus gently to distribute the seasonings – Using your hands or tongs, toss the asparagus gently to ensure the seasonings are evenly spread, and coat the spears thoroughl.
- Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet – Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. This allows for even roasting and ensures that the asparagus cooks properly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy – Place the baking sheet with the asparagus in the preheated oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Carefully remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish – Once the asparagus is roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet using oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands. Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving dish or plate.
- Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of roasted asparagus – The roasted asparagus is best enjoyed immediately while it is still hot. Serve it as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes. Relish the irresistible flavors of the tender and slightly crispy asparagus spears.
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