Must Try Asparagus

This is the easiest and most delicious asparagus recipe you’ll ever make. Not only does it win in the time and health department, it’s a sure way to impress your guests or family when you need a side dish! Growing up, I found that the simplest foods always tasted the best. This is a must try classic Italian side dish.

I also want to use this opportunity to let you in on a ProTip i’ve always sworn by when cooking asparagus. Bend the asparagus spear to the point of breaking and it will snap off exactly where the tough part begins. Make sure not to apply too much pressure, to ensure the spear doesn’t break in half. This hack has always produced the most tender & delectable asparagus spears to work with!

4 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound asparagus fresh, 15 spears, bent & snapped to perfection

• 3 tbsp cold pressed extra virgin olive oil

• 3-4 garlic cloves minced

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon freshly squeezed

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

preparation:

Fill a medium pot with water halfway and set to boil. Once the water is rapidly boiling, add asparagus spears and turn off stove. Leave asparagus in the pot for 3 minutes (depending on thickness.) This is blanching them. In the meantime, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Remove the blanched asparagus spears from the pot with tongs and transfer to the large skillet. Sauté asparagus spears for about 2-3 minutes (not too long as they should be between tender and crunchy.) Add minced garlic and cook for two more minutes.

Immediately remove from heat with tongs onto a serving dish. Make sure garlic from skillet accompanies the asparagus. Squeeze lemon juice onto spears. Add salt and pepper to taste as well as lemon zest. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Can be served hot or room temperature. Buon appetito!