Sauteed asparagus with caramelised balsamic walnuts

Delight in a flavorful side dish with our sautéed asparagus featuring caramelized balsamic walnuts. Tender asparagus spears are sautéed in butter with aromatic garlic, then tossed with crunchy, caramelized walnuts glazed in tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet brown sugar. Served over a bed of fresh arugula and finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of savory goodness. Perfect for a healthy, yet indulgent treat that pairs well with any main course.

  • 28 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 5 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Sauteed asparagus with caramelised balsamic walnuts

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.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp butter
16g
1.50 lb asparagus
680g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1/3 cup walnuts
72g
2 tbsp vinegar
30g
2 tsp brown sugar
6g
3 cups arugula
60g
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
20g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
- Begin by trimming the woody ends from the asparagus spears. Optionally, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Asparagus:
- 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.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Walnuts:
- 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.
4. Caramelize the Walnuts:
- 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.
5. Combine with Arugula:
- 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.
6. Serve:
- 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!

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.

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.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size220 grams
Energy
Calories 220kcal11%
Protein
Protein 9g6%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 5g13%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 18g20%
Saturated 3.73g12%
Cholesterol 13mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 120ug14%
Choline 40mg7%
Vitamin B1 0.32mg27%
Vitamin B2 0.30mg23%
Vitamin B3 1.94mg12%
Vitamin B6 0.29mg17%
Vitamin B9 120ug31%
Vitamin B12 0.07ug3%
Vitamin C 12mg14%
Vitamin E 2.14mg14%
Vitamin K 90ug73%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 130mg10%
Copper, Cu 0.64mg71%
Iron, Fe 4.48mg41%
Magnesium, Mg 66mg15%
Phosphorus, P 200mg16%
Potassium, K 510mg15%
Selenium, Se 7ug12%
Sodium, Na 100mg6%
Zinc, Zn 1.81mg16%
Water
Water 180g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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