Barbecued asparagus with lemon, feta and mint
Barbecued asparagus with lemon, feta, and mint combines zesty citrus with creamy feta, creating a refreshing dish perfect for summer. Grilled to tenderness, it’s topped with toasted almonds for added crunch.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 lemon2 tbsp olive oil
2.50 lb asparagus
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/2 cup spearmint
1/4 cup almonds
Barbecued asparagus with lemon, feta, and mint is a delightful dish that perfectly marries fresh, zesty flavors with the rich, creamy taste of feta cheese. Ideal for a summer barbecue, this dish is both healthy and delicious, offering a unique twist on traditional grilled vegetables.
Instructions:
- Zest the lemon and set the zest aside.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze to extract the juice. Reserve the juice.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Aim for uniform lengths for even cooking.
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, combine the trimmed asparagus, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the reserved lemon juice.
- Toss the asparagus to ensure they are evenly coated in the oil and lemon juice.
- Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
- Arrange the asparagus spears on the grill in a single layer.
- Grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Rotate them occasionally to prevent burning.
- While the asparagus is grilling, crumble the feta cheese into a small bowl.
- Roughly chop the spearmint leaves.
- Toast the sliced or chopped almonds in a dry pan over medium heat, shaking frequently, until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the asparagus is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and arrange it on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the warm asparagus.
- Scatter the chopped spearmint leaves on top.
- Garnish with the toasted almonds for a crunchy element.
- Finally, sprinkle the reserved lemon zest over the top for an added citrusy burst.
- Serve the barbecued asparagus hot or at room temperature as a side dish or a light, refreshing appetizer. Enjoy!
With a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, barbecued asparagus with lemon, feta, and mint is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. This simple yet elegant dish showcases the best of seasonal produce, enhanced with a few choice ingredients to create a memorable culinary experience.
Barbecued asparagus with lemon, feta and mint FAQ:
Grill the asparagus for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Be sure to rotate them occasionally to prevent burning.
The asparagus is done when it is tender and has grill marks. You can test doneness by piercing a spear with a fork; it should be slightly firm but tender.
If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try using goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy texture, or a dairy-free feta if you're looking for a vegan option.
Store any leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, but note that it may lose some texture.
Yes, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill as a substitute for spearmint, though the flavor will be different.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to trim the woody ends of the asparagus before cooking for a more tender bite.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high to ensure the asparagus cooks evenly and gets a nice char without burning.
- To avoid placing the asparagus directly on the grill grates, you can use a grill basket or skewers.
- Toast the almonds beforehand to bring out their full flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
- Crumbled feta works best for this recipe. You can also use different types of feta, such as sheep's milk feta, to experiment with flavors.
- Fresh mint leaves provide the best flavor. Tear the mint roughly with your hands to release its oils and aromatic essence.
- After grilling, allow the asparagus to cool slightly before adding the feta and mint, so they do not wilt or melt too much from the heat.
Nutrition Facts
10 ServingsCalories 77kcal
Protein 4.88g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 3.06g
Sugar 2.53g
Fat 7g
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