02 May 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 slices white bread
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp lemon zest
1.50 lb asparagus
3/4 cup green beans
1 tbsp lemon juice
Asparagus and Beans with Crunchy Crumbs is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with a zesty lemon flavor and a satisfying crunch. It is perfect for a quick side dish or a light main course.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
- Tear the white bread into smaller pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Make the Crumb Topping:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they become golden and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and set the crumb mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
- Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them in half, if desired.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning.
- Add the asparagus and green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain the vegetables and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright color. Drain again and set aside.
5. Sauté the Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn them.
6. Combine and Finish:
- Add the asparagus and green beans to the skillet with the garlic.
- Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the vegetables are well-coated and heated through.
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and the lemon juice. Mix well.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the crunchy breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus and green beans for the best flavor and texture.
- You can prepare the garlic and lemon zest in advance to save time during cooking.
- For an added layer of flavor, consider roasting the asparagus and green beans instead of steaming them.
- If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can add an additional garlic clove.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread.
This Asparagus and Beans with Crunchy Crumbs recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that will elevate any meal. Its perfect combination of fresh, vibrant vegetables, zesty lemon, and crunchy bread crumbs makes it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this dish as a side to your favorite protein, or savor it on its own for a light and nutritious meal.