Asparagus with basil oil
Discover a simple yet flavorful Asparagus with Basil Oil recipe! Fresh asparagus spears are drizzled with aromatic basil-infused olive oil, creating a delightful, healthy side dish perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, this recipe transforms minimal ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups basil leaves1.50 cups olive oil
1.50 lb asparagus
Asparagus with basil oil is a delightfully simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side to your main course. The fresh, earthy taste of asparagus pairs wonderfully with the aromatic and rich basil oil, creating a beautifully balanced dish that is both healthy and delicious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Instructions:
1. Blend: Add the basil leaves and olive oil to a blender or food processor.
2. Process: Blend until the mixture is smooth and the basil is finely incorporated into the olive oil to create a fragrant basil oil.
3. Strain (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can strain the basil oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container or bottle.
1. Trim: Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends off.
2. Cook: There are several ways to cook asparagus, such as steaming, boiling, grilling, or roasting.
- Steaming: Place the asparagus in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 4-5 minutes until tender but still bright green.
- Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Coat the asparagus with a little olive oil (before adding the basil oil later) and grill for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and charred.
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the asparagus with a little olive oil (to roast before adding the basil oil later) and spread it in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10-15 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
1. Plate: Arrange the cooked asparagus on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Drizzle: Generously drizzle the basil oil over the asparagus.
3. Garnish (Optional): You can garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Tips:
- For the freshest taste, choose asparagus that is bright green and firm, avoiding any that appears wilted or woody.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to maximize the flavor of the basil oil.
- To prevent overcooking, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then immediately submerge in ice water to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
- Adjust the seasoning of the basil oil with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Drizzle the basil oil over the asparagus just before serving to maintain its fresh and vibrant taste.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked asparagus with the fragrant basil oil. This dish offers a fine balance of flavors and is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a gourmet experience. Serve it as a side dish, or as a main course with a sprinkle of cheese or nuts for added texture and taste.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 24kcal
Protein 2.55g
Carbohydrates 4.44g
Fiber 2.41g
Sugar 2.13g
Fat 60g
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