Steamed Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts and Zesty Lemon Drizzle
This delightful dish features vibrant, fresh asparagus spears lightly steamed to crisp-tender perfection, then adorned with a luscious lemon vinaigrette and crowned with toasty pine nuts. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of dried herbs elevates the natural flavors of the asparagus. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or as a refreshing addition to a summer picnic, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. Make it ahead of time and serve it at room temperature for a delicious and sophisticated presentation.
4
Servings
68
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
1 lb (fresh spears, tough ends snapped off and scales removed if desired)
pine nuts
3 tablespoons (toasted in a skillet)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin is preferred)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
garlic
1 clove (crushed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried whole)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried whole)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by snapping off the tough ends of the asparagus spears, ensuring a clean break at the natural point of tenderness.
2
If you prefer, use a knife or vegetable peeler to gently remove the outer scales from the stalks for a smoother texture.
3
Prepare a steaming rack over a pot of boiling water and place the asparagus spears inside. Cover the pot and steam the spears for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender yet vibrant in color.
4
Once done, carefully transfer the steamed asparagus to a serving platter, keeping them arranged neatly.
5
In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
6
In a medium saucepan, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and a few grinds of freshly ground pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
7
Heat the mixture over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it is warmed through but not boiling. Remove from heat.
8
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the steamed asparagus, making sure to coat them evenly.
9
Finally, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts generously over the top for added crunch and flavor.
10
Let the dish stand at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
6.8g
Fat
2g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Steamed Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts and Zesty Lemon Drizzle.
How many servings does this asparagus recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 68 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The fat content is 6.8g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 2g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 1.5g of protein per serving.
How long should I steam the asparagus?
Steam the asparagus spears for 4 to 5 minutes.
What is the ideal texture for the steamed asparagus?
The asparagus should be crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
How do I prepare the asparagus spears?
Snap off the tough ends at the natural point of tenderness and optionally peel the outer scales.
How long do the pine nuts take to toast?
Toast the pine nuts for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
What temperature should I use to toast the pine nuts?
Use medium heat to toast the pine nuts in a small skillet.
What ingredients are in the lemon vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette contains olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and ground pepper.
Should the lemon vinaigrette be boiled?
No, heat the mixture until warmed through but do not let it reach a boil.
How long should the vinaigrette be heated?
Heat the mixture over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for this recipe.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What dried herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of dried whole basil and dried whole oregano.
How much garlic is needed?
One crushed garlic clove is used in the drizzle.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, letting the dish stand at room temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What is the preparation for the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted in a skillet until fragrant.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What is the suggested serving category?
It is suggested as a side dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and serve it at room temperature.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
How much asparagus do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh asparagus spears.
What is the measurement for the pine nuts?
You need 3 tablespoons of pine nuts.
Should the black pepper be freshly ground?
Yes, the recipe specifies using freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include healthy, vegetarian, lemon vinaigrette, and steamed vegetables.