Lemon-basil asparagus herb delight
Savor the fresh flavors of spring with our Lemon-Basil Asparagus Herb Delight! This easy and healthy side dish features tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil, all perfectly seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper. Ready in minutes, it's the perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the vibrant taste and wholesome goodness!
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 lb asparagus1 short spray cooking spray oil
1 tsp salt
1 dash black pepper
1 tbsp basil
1/2 lemon
Lemon-basil asparagus herb delight is a delicious and healthy side dish that's perfect for any meal. Combining the fresh flavors of asparagus, basil, and lemon, this easy-to-make recipe will impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste and enticing aroma.
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready to roast the asparagus.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. You can do this by gently bending the asparagus near the end – it will naturally snap at the right spot.
- Lay the asparagus spears in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Lightly coat the asparagus with a short spray of cooking spray oil. Make sure the spears are evenly coated to help them crisp up nicely.
- Sprinkle the asparagus evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add a dash of black pepper over the top.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Roast the asparagus for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Timing may vary depending on the thickness of the spears.
- While the asparagus is cooking, juice half of a lemon.
- Finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.
- Remove the asparagus from the oven once they are done.
- Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the roasted asparagus.
- Sprinkle the chopped basil evenly over the asparagus.
- For a more intense flavor, gently toss the asparagus to ensure the seasoning is well-distributed.
- Transfer the beautifully roasted and seasoned asparagus to a serving platter.
- This delightful dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Choose fresh asparagus spears that are firm and bright green for the best flavor and texture.
- For even cooking, try to select asparagus stalks that are similar in thickness.
- Snap the woody ends off the asparagus by gently bending the spear until it breaks naturally.
- For added flavor, consider zesting the lemon before juicing it, and sprinkle the zest over the cooked asparagus.
- If you prefer a slight char, you can finish the asparagus under a broiler for a minute or two after cooking.
This delightful lemon-basil asparagus herb recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to elevate your meals. With its bright and zesty flavors, it's sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Enjoy this healthy side dish as part of a balanced diet, and feel free to experiment with additional herbs and seasonings to create your own unique version.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 27kcal
Protein 2.68g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 2.78g
Sugar 2.47g
Fat 0.24g
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