Asparagus, feta and roasted hazelnuts

Discover a delightful Asparagus, Feta, and Roasted Hazelnuts recipe! This fresh, vibrant dish combines tender asparagus, creamy feta, crunchy hazelnuts, and a tangy lemon zest and vinegar dressing, all brought together with the sweetness of currants and the subtle bite of chives. Perfect for a spring time meal or a side dish at your next gathering!

  • 13 Jun 2024
  • Cook time 5 min
  • Prep time 30 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Asparagus, feta and roasted hazelnuts

This Asparagus, Feta, and Roasted Hazelnuts is a delightful and nutritious dish that perfectly combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the creamy saltiness of feta and the rich crunch of hazelnuts. It's an excellent choice for a light lunch, a side dish, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering. The addition of currants and lemon zest enhances the flavor profile with a hint of sweetness and citrusy freshness.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp currants
30g
1 tbsp vinegar
16g
1.50 lb asparagus
680g
1/3 cup hazelnuts
40g
1/3 cup feta cheese
72g
2 tbsp chives
30g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Currants:
- In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of currants with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Allow them to soak for about 10 minutes to plump up.
2. Toast Hazelnuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Once cooled, roughly chop the hazelnuts and set them aside.
3. Prepare Asparagus:
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water.
- Trim off the woody ends.
- Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches long.

4. Cook Asparagus:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Blanch the asparagus pieces in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Drain and immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- After a few minutes, drain the asparagus and set aside.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared asparagus, soaked currants (drained), chopped roasted hazelnuts, and lemon zest.

6. Add Feta and Chives:
- Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the bowl.
- Finely chop the chives and toss them in as well.

7. Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Drizzle with a bit more vinegar if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve the asparagus, feta, and roasted hazelnuts as a fresh and flavorful side dish or as a topping for grilled meats or fish. Enjoy!

Tips:

- Toasting Hazelnuts: Roast the hazelnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they are fragrant and their skins begin to split. After roasting, place them in a clean kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove as much of the skin as possible.

- Prepping Asparagus: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus before cooking. You can blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender and then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color.

- Combining Flavors: Soak the currants in vinegar ahead of time to plump them up and infuse them with tanginess. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

- Serving Suggestions: This salsa can be served warm or at room temperature. It's delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

This Asparagus, Feta, and Roasted Hazelnuts is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. It's a simple yet sophisticated recipe that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients while combining them in a way that is both harmonious and exciting. Perfect for any occasion, this salsa is a true testament to the beauty of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size220 grams
Energy
Calories 170kcal7%
Protein
Protein 8g6%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 16g4%
Fiber 5g13%
Sugar 8g8%
Fat
Fat 10g12%
Saturated 3.05g10%
Cholesterol 16mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 110ug12%
Choline 36mg7%
Vitamin B1 0.35mg29%
Vitamin B2 0.43mg33%
Vitamin B3 2.20mg14%
Vitamin B6 0.32mg19%
Vitamin B9 110ug29%
Vitamin B12 0.32ug13%
Vitamin C 15mg16%
Vitamin E 3.47mg23%
Vitamin K 90ug74%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 160mg12%
Copper, Cu 0.53mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.49mg41%
Magnesium, Mg 50mg12%
Phosphorus, P 190mg15%
Potassium, K 510mg15%
Selenium, Se 7ug13%
Sodium, Na 220mg15%
Zinc, Zn 1.78mg16%
Water
Water 180g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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