Sauteed asparagus with caramelised balsamic walnuts
Sautéed asparagus with caramelised balsamic walnuts is a vibrant dish featuring tender asparagus, nutty walnuts, and a sweet balsamic glaze. It's perfect as a side or light main, enhanced by fresh arugula and parmesan.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter1.50 lb asparagus
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup walnuts
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp brown sugar
3 cups arugula
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Sautéed asparagus with caramelized balsamic walnuts is a delightful dish that brings together the earthy flavors of asparagus, the nutty crunch of walnuts, and the sweet tanginess of balsamic vinegar. It's a perfect side dish or a light main course, especially when paired with fresh arugula and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an added layer of complexity and flavor.
Instructions:
- Begin by trimming the woody ends from the asparagus spears. Optionally, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is hot, add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet.
- Sauté the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender yet still crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- While the asparagus is cooking, mince the garlic cloves.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped walnuts to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they become lightly toasted.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the walnuts in the skillet.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar over the walnut mixture and stir well.
- Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and coat the walnuts and asparagus evenly.
- Add the arugula to the skillet, tossing it gently with the asparagus and caramelized walnuts.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the arugula begins to wilt slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sautéed asparagus mixture to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
This sautéed asparagus with caramelized balsamic walnuts is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is sure to impress. The combination of fresh vegetables, nuts, and tangy-sweet vinegar creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Serve it for a special dinner or as a healthy addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Sauteed asparagus with caramelised balsamic walnuts FAQ:
Sauté the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat until they are tender yet still crisp. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
While the asparagus is best served fresh, you can prepare the caramelized walnuts in advance. Store them separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days, then reheat before serving.
You can use pecans or almonds as a substitute for walnuts. Both options will provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
A good quality balsamic vinegar is recommended for this recipe, but any balsamic vinegar will work. Aceto balsamico di Modena offers a richer flavor if available.
The asparagus is done when it is bright green and tender, yet still crisp. You can test a piece by piercing it with a fork; it should yield slightly but not be mushy.
Tips:
- Choose fresh asparagus: Ensure your asparagus is fresh and crisp – look for bright green spears with firm stems and tightly closed tips.
- Blanch asparagus: To maintain the vibrant green color and enhance the texture, consider blanching the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before sautéing.
- Toast nuts: Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before caramelizing them; this will enhance their nutty flavor.
- Control the heat: Maintain a medium heat to prevent the nuts and sugar from burning while caramelizing.
- Use freshly grated parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 220kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 6g
Fat 18g
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