Saffron-Infused Grilled Asparagus with Zesty Aioli
Elevate your vegetable side dishes with this exquisite Saffron-Infused Grilled Asparagus with Zesty Aioli. Inspired by Bobby Flay's fabulous recipe featured in Bon Appetit, this dish showcases the natural flavors of tender asparagus, perfectly grilled to a crisp-tender texture. Accompanied by a luscious saffron aioli made with fresh garlic and a blend of tangy red wine vinegar and sweet honey, this sauce can turn each bite into a gourmet experience. Drizzled over the asparagus and garnished with vibrant red bell pepper, it offers not only satisfying taste but also a colorful presentation that will impress your guests at any gathering. Whether grilled, roasted, or blanched, you’ll find that this sauce is delightfully versatile and even better with homemade mayonnaise. It’s a perfect addition to summer barbecues or elegant dinner parties alike.
6
Servings
147
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Honey
1 tablespoon (none)
Saffron threads
1 pinch (none)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Asparagus
2 lbs (trimmed)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Red bell pepper
1 small (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the saffron aioli. In a heavy small saucepan, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, and saffron threads over medium-high heat.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Allow it to cool completely.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and minced garlic, mixing well to blend the flavors.
4
Once the vinegar mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the mayonnaise and garlic mixture. Season the aioli to taste with salt and pepper. For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least one hour, or prepare up to one day in advance.
5
For the grilled asparagus, preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat. Place the trimmed asparagus in a rimmed baking sheet and toss it with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
6
Grill the asparagus for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crisp-tender and slightly charred.
7
Once done, transfer the grilled asparagus to a serving platter.
8
Drizzle the prepared saffron aioli generously over the asparagus. Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped red bell pepper on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
2.7g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Saffron-Infused Grilled Asparagus with Zesty Aioli.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the saffron aioli?
The aioli consists of red wine vinegar, honey, saffron threads, mayonnaise, and minced garlic.
How should the saffron threads be prepared for the sauce?
Whisk the saffron with red wine vinegar and honey in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then cool completely before mixing with mayonnaise.
Can I make the saffron aioli in advance?
Yes, the aioli can be prepared up to one day in advance for optimal flavor.
How long should the aioli be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide a tangy base for the aioli.
What sweetener is included in the sauce?
One tablespoon of honey is used to sweeten the saffron mixture.
What temperature should the barbecue be set to for grilling?
The barbecue should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How long does it take to grill the asparagus?
The asparagus should be grilled for about 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
How is the asparagus prepared before it hits the grill?
The trimmed asparagus is tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
What is used as a garnish for this dish?
Finely chopped red bell pepper is sprinkled on top for color and flavor.
Is this grilled asparagus recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 147 calories.
Can the asparagus be prepared without a grill?
Yes, the asparagus can also be roasted or blanched while using the same saffron aioli.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 1.3 grams of protein.
What type of oil is recommended for coating the asparagus?
Olive oil is used for grilling the asparagus.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the aioli?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of mayonnaise is best for this recipe?
While standard mayonnaise works, homemade mayonnaise is suggested for a more gourmet experience.
What texture should the asparagus have after cooking?
The asparagus should be crisp-tender and slightly charred.
How much asparagus do I need for 6 people?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of trimmed asparagus.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 2.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Who was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Bobby Flay's version featured in Bon Appetit.
What size red bell pepper is needed for the topping?
One small red bell pepper is sufficient for the garnish.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
While specific sugar grams are not listed, the recipe contains honey.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the mayonnaise.
Is this dish suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is a perfect addition to summer barbecues and elegant dinner parties.
How much olive oil is used?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are used to coat the asparagus.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include asparagus, grilled vegetables, saffron aioli, side dish, vegetarian, and healthy recipes.