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Friday, April 9, 2010

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus



The Fireman doesn't cook....often. Oh he BBQs but cooking...no! I have this fantasy that he secretly cooks at work. And not just warming up pasta in a bag but gourmet meals. Now if he does cook then his crew is keeping his secret.

A couple weeks ago he surprised me with making a side dish while I cooked the rest of our meal. It was a vegetable dish I have made before but was surprised he could navigate our 1960 kitchen to make. Simple with clean flavors. Half my kids will eat it. Which I guess is better than none.

My recipe is a little dressier. I like fresh Parmesan cheese over canned. I use zest of one lemon (if my tree isn't bare) but this recipe is as simple as they come.

Take two bunches of asparagus and trim the ends. One bunch is enough for two adults in my house. I always figure if there happens to be leftovers I can use them in a quiche (another blog if there are ever any leftovers)

Place asparagus on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil to cover. You are not looking to have them swimming. Roll asparagus to cover.

Grate 3/4 cup fresh Parmesan. Make sure it's finely grated and not like what you use for tacos.
Zest one lemon and mix with the cheese.
Sprinkle over the asparagus. Salt and pepper.

Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until fork tender. I like them a little more done than The Fireman. He likes them al dente. I want them toasted. They are sweet and nutty when you leave them in longer.
I find if you like artichokes then you will like asparagus. They have a similar flavor although look completely different.


What's your favorite way to cook Asparagus?


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12 comments:

Catherine said...

This is such a great way to get the kids to eat their asparagus!
Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Already loving this blog! We love them sauteed w/ butter, garlic & pepper. Mmmm! Am definitely trying this one though!

Anonymous said...

We love asparagus! Love your recipe. We toss ours usually with olive oil and lemon pepper, then grill em up. I also love them with bernaise sauce when I'm feeling like I want to blow the healthy eating plan!
Amanda from Nourish

Suzie Ridler said...

I love roasted asparagus with parm too! I also add some garlic and shallots and slather with olive oil. Yum!

Reeni said...

I never had roasted asparagus! What a good idea to mix in the lemon peel. So delicious!

Traci said...

That recipe looks yummy! I usually caramelize granulated sugar in a dry frying pan, add the asparagus and then cover with an inch or so of water and cook until done (but still crisp). Gives them a sweet caramel taste, which sounds gross but is good, I promise!

Holly Renee said...

That asparagus looks so good! We've been buttering ours up and putting salt and pepper on them. Then we throw them on our mini grill. You recipe looks even better though!! MMMmmmmm

My Man's Belly said...

Love it with the cheese. I've been roasting pretty much every vegetable I can get my hands on. It just changes the flavors sometimes it tastes like a completely different vegetable.

Rachel said...

yum! This looks super delish! Very pretty, too. Asparagus always looks so fancy shmancy. Thanks for visiting!

Hayleylou said...

I am going to try this one. Looks easy - the sort of recipes that I like. Great blog you have - I am now following.

Clairity said...

That asparagus looks delish. I've never tried making them this way before. I usually stirfry them.

Thanks for the follow and comment on Foodarrific.com. Following you back now :)

Inspired2cook said...

I love grilling asparagus! I have a special basket that goes on the grill to keep veggies from falling through the grate. A simple drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of freshly ground salt and pepper and the asparagus is ready for grilling. Perfection!
http://www.inspired2cook.com/

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