Savory Garlic-Parmesan Asparagus Medley
This exquisite recipe for Savory Garlic-Parmesan Asparagus Medley highlights the vibrant flavors of fresh asparagus, briskly sautéed with toasted garlic and finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Perfect for a side dish at any gathering or as an addition to your healthy meals, this dish captures the essence of spring vegetables. The garlic provides a satisfying crunch, while the parmesan adds a creamy, nutty richness, making this dish a delightful complement to any main course. Serve it warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra zing!
6
Servings
47
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
3 (thinly sliced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (none)
Thick asparagus
2 lbs (tough ends trimmed)
Salt
to taste (none)
Ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (none)
Lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
In a 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté until crisp and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, being careful to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to a paper towel-lined plate and set it aside.
3
Increase heat to medium-high and add the butter to the skillet. When the butter has melted, add half of the asparagus spears to the skillet, aligning the tips in one direction and the stalks in the opposite to promote even browning. Sprinkle the asparagus with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and use tongs to arrange them evenly in the skillet, understanding they may not fit in a perfect single layer.
4
Cover the skillet and cook the asparagus until they turn bright green and are still crisp, about 5 minutes.
5
Uncover the skillet, season the asparagus liberally with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once seasoned, transfer the asparagus to a serving plate.
6
Sprinkle the crispy toasted garlic and grated parmesan cheese over the asparagus. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a citrusy kick.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
1.2g
Carbs
1.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Garlic-Parmesan Asparagus Medley?
It is an exquisite side dish featuring fresh asparagus sautéed with toasted garlic and finished with grated parmesan cheese and lemon.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 47 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for this asparagus dish?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of thick asparagus, garlic cloves, olive oil, unsalted butter, parmesan cheese, and lemon.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains vegetables, dairy, and no meat products.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be thinly sliced before being sautéed until crisp and golden brown.
What type of asparagus is recommended?
The recipe specifies using thick asparagus spears with the tough ends trimmed.
What size skillet is needed for this recipe?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to properly cook the asparagus.
How long does it take to sauté the garlic?
The sliced garlic should be sautéed for about 3 to 5 minutes until it is golden brown and crisp.
Why should I be careful not to burn the garlic?
Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the entire dish.
What should I do with the garlic once it is finished sautéing?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to a paper towel-lined plate and set it aside for later use as a topping.
When do I add the butter to the skillet?
Add the butter after removing the garlic and increasing the heat to medium-high.
What is the best way to arrange asparagus in the pan?
Align the tips in one direction and the stalks in the opposite direction to promote even browning.
How much salt is used during the initial cooking of the asparagus?
Sprinkle the asparagus with 1/4 teaspoon of salt when you first add them to the skillet.
How long should the asparagus cook while covered?
Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes.
How do I know when the asparagus is perfectly cooked?
The asparagus should turn bright green and remain slightly crisp.
When do I add the black pepper?
Add the freshly ground black pepper after uncovering the skillet and just before plating.
When should the parmesan cheese be added?
Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the asparagus after it has been transferred to a serving plate.
How is the lemon used in this recipe?
The lemon is cut into wedges and served on the side to provide a citrusy kick or 'zing' to the dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 3.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 1.2g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does one serving provide?
One serving provides 1.2g of protein.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional breakdown provided does not list specific values for fiber or sugar.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe calls for olive oil, but other high-smoke point oils could be used, though the flavor profile may change.
What if my asparagus doesn't fit in a single layer?
The instructions acknowledge they may not fit perfectly; use tongs to arrange them as evenly as possible.
What is the heat setting for cooking the asparagus?
The asparagus is cooked on medium-high heat.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with a total cooking time of around 10-15 minutes, it is considered a quick and simple side dish.
Does this dish contain cholesterol?
The provided data does not specify cholesterol levels, though it contains butter and cheese which typically do.
What tools do I need to remove the garlic from the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended to drain the oil while removing the garlic.
Can this dish be served cold?
The recipe suggests serving it immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.