Roasted Asparagus
This quick and easy asparagus recipe is delicious, healthy, and beautiful as a side.
Servings: 2 people
Cost: 4.00
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet greased
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus get the fresh, thick stuff, the size of your thumb or more. If it came from more than 2 states away, skip it. You want fresh in-season stalks.
- 3 tbsp oil or fat I prefer bacon grease, followed by butter & then olive oil if I don't have bacon drippings.
- 1/4 t garlic powder
- 1 t salt
- 1/4 t black pepper or to taste. You can adjust after roasting.
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, small hole shredded if you must, use the pre-grated canister, but it is so much better shredded from a block of the real cheese.
- 2 eggs, poached super optional, yet super delicious. See notes for how to poach.
- 1/2 lemon, squeezed
- 1 pinch paprika optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F
- Wash and trim the asparagus. To trim: break the cut/broken end by hand. It will naturally break where the tough butt ends.
- Whisk the oil/fat, salt, pepper, garlic powder together in a small bowl.
- Lay the washed, trimmed spears on the prepared baking sheet.
- Rub the whisked mixture onto the stalks.
- Bake at 425 for 10-15 minutes. The time will vary by the thickness of the asparagus. It should be easily cut but not mushy and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and plate. Sprinkle cheese & lemon juice over.
- Optional: top with a 4-minute poached egg, cut in half at the moment of serving.
Notes
Poached Egg:
Heat 4 c water and 1 T white vinegar to simmering. You do not want a boil.
Meanwhile crack 2 eggs into 2 teacups or small vessels. Have a slotted spoon and a plate with paper toweling on it.
Once the water is simmering, set a timer for 4 minutes and gently pour each egg into the simmering water's surface.
After about 40 seconds, nudge each egg to be sure it didn't secure to the bottom or the pan.
When the timer rings, use the slotted spoon to remove the eggs. Place over asparagus. (for a much runnier yolk do a 3 minute egg)
ENJOY!
An even easier roasted asparagus recipe is to have a small loaf pan of melted salted butter, hotdog forks, and a bonfire. Light the fire, put the spears on the forks, dip in butter, and roast like marshmallows. Have a shaker of garlic salt for those who want to use it.