Zesty Lemon & Asparagus: A Springtime Sensation!
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Are you ready to jazz up your veggie game with a dish that’s as vibrant as a spring morning? I'm thrilled to share my latest obsession: Roasted Asparagus with Charred Lemon Dressing! It's so simple, so delicious, and so perfect for those of us who crave healthy, flavorful food.
Forget boring steamed veggies; we're about to crank up the flavor dial! This recipe takes humble asparagus and elevates it to gourmet status. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy.
Grilling Goodness (Even If It's Raining!)
Okay, so maybe the weather isn't always on our side (looking at you, surprise rain showers!). But don't let that stop your grilling dreams. Whether you're firing up the BBQ or using a trusty griddle pan, the method is the same: get those asparagus spears and lemon halves nice and charred. That's where the magic starts.
Perfectly Roasted Asparagus
The secret to great roasted asparagus? Keep it snappy! You want a vibrant green color with those gorgeous grill marks, and a little bit of crunch. Thinner spears will cook quicker, so keep an eye on them.
Charred Lemon: The Star of the Show
Now, let's talk about the real MVP – the charred lemon. This isn't just any lemon; this is a lemon that’s been kissed by the heat, creating a juice that’s bursting with flavor. Squeeze it into our simple dressing for a zesty kick that'll make your taste buds sing.
Crafting the Flavor Symphony
While your veggies are getting their grill on, let's toast some almond flakes until they're golden and fragrant. Once your lemons are charred and cooled, squeeze that glorious juice into a bowl with miso, maple syrup, mustard, and a touch of garlic. Whisk it all together with some olive oil, and you’ve got a dressing that's out of this world!
The Simple Assembly
Arrange your roasted asparagus on a plate, drizzle with that amazing dressing, and top with the toasted almonds. Boom! A dish that’s ready to impress and incredibly good for you.
Ingredient Spotlight
- Asparagus: Use the thick spears for grilling, and aim for that vibrant green color with grill marks. If it's not in season try runner beans, or even grilled tenderstem broccoli.
- Olive Oil: I used two types – extra virgin for the dressing, and regular for grilling and toasting the almonds.
- Lemon: Unwaxed lemons with thin skins are best. Charring the lemon brings out a fantastic depth of flavor.
- Almond Flakes: They add a lovely crunch. Swap for pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you have allergies.
- Miso: White miso adds a salty, umami note. Opt for gluten-free if needed.
- Wholegrain Mustard: A little kick for the dressing. Dijon mustard works too.
- Garlic: A hint of flavor. Skip it if you’re not a fan.
- Maple Syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, coriander, or basil. Use whatever you love.
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Asparagus
- Olive oil
- 50 g almond flakes
- 500 g green asparagus
- A handful of fresh herbs (optional)
For the Charred Lemon Dressing
- 1 unwaxed lemon
- 1 tbsp white miso
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
- ½ garlic clove
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast almond flakes in a little olive oil until golden and set aside.
- Snap off the woody ends of asparagus, coat with olive oil, and place on a hot griddle pan or BBQ with lemon halves.
- Grill until the asparagus has grill marks and is vibrant green.
- Grill lemon halves until charred.
- Cut the asparagus into segments on the bias and toss with lemon zest.
- In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, mustard, garlic, and the juice of 2 tablespoons of charred lemon, then whisk in the olive oil to emulsify. Taste, and add more lemon juice as needed.
- Arrange asparagus on a plate, drizzle with dressing, and top with toasted almonds and chopped herbs.
Notes
- If you don’t have a griddle pan, you can also bake the asparagus and lemon at 200°C / 390°F. Roast the lemons for 30 minutes and add the asparagus after 20 mins, for a further 8-10 mins.
Nutrition (Per Serving of 6)
- Calories: 146
- Sugars: 5g
- Fats: 12g
- Saturates: 1g
- Proteins: 4g
- Carbs: 8g
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Asparagus with Charred Lemon Dressing is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s an amazing addition to any meal and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!