One of my favorite summer vegetables is asparagus. I prefer the green over the white, and not just because it's usually cheaper. Asparagus is one of those vegetables that you really don't have to do much to in order for it to taste great.
Many people like to boil or steam there asparagus, but the next time you pick some up at the farmer's market or your local grocery store, try this:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Wash and thoroughly dry your asparagus. Remove the hard ends with a knife or a vegetable peeler. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil per bunch of asparagus. Season to taste with Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Add one teaspoon of lemon zest per bunch and combine until all the asparagus is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tips start to brown. (I promise, the crispy bits are the best part). Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle asparagus with 2 tsp of fresh lemon juice and a little more salt to taste.
This method of preparation gives the asparagus more flavor than traditional boiling or steaming, and it's extremely simple. The next time you need a quick and easy side dish, give this one a try.
That's so close to how I make mine! I bend the asparagus in half till it snaps and throw away the lower half in order to keep the tough bits out. Then I heat olive oil in a large saucepan and quickly sautee the asparagus. It's ready when it takes on a bright green color, brighter and richer than uncooked asparagus actually. It'll look like it was photoshopped for a magazine, that's what a pretty green it is. Then sprinkle with sea salt or Kosher salt or any coarse salt really and squeeze the juice of about 1/2 a lemon per asparagus bunch. Takes 7 minutes, tops. Granted there's no crunchy tops but I find I eat it with my hands like French fries.
I love this site! If I were in Memphis I'd try every place you've reviewed b/c they sound pretty awesome. If you ever come to Charleston I can give you some pretty awesome places as well.
Posted by: Allison Garrett | July 07, 2009 at 08:19 PM
I'm glad you like it. I'm still working out the kinks, but it's nice to have a place to jot down all my thoughts.
I was in Charleston last August (right before I started the site) and I definitely hope to get back soon ;)
Posted by: Tiffany | July 08, 2009 at 10:36 AM