Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts and Lemon Vinaigrette: A Culinary Symphony of Freshness and Flavor
In the realm of culinary delights, asparagus with toasted pine nuts and lemon vinaigrette stands as a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with masterful technique. This dish, often heralded as a harbinger of spring, offers a symphony of flavors and textures that dance upon the palate, leaving an indelible impression.
The asparagus, with its vibrant green spears and subtle bitterness, takes center stage, its crisp-tender texture yielding to the gentle caress of the zesty lemon vinaigrette. The toasted pine nuts, imbued with a warm, nutty aroma and a pleasing crunch, add a delightful textural contrast, while the fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, lend a touch of herbaceousness that elevates the dish to new heights.
This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating this culinary masterpiece, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve perfection. From the meticulous selection of the finest asparagus spears to the careful preparation of the zesty lemon vinaigrette, each step is explained with precision and clarity, leaving no room for error.
In addition to the classic asparagus with toasted pine nuts and lemon vinaigrette, this article presents a collection of equally enticing recipes that explore the versatility of this springtime vegetable. From a vibrant asparagus and snap pea salad adorned with feta cheese and a honey-lemon dressing to a creamy asparagus soup that exudes comfort and elegance, these recipes cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Whether you seek a light and refreshing side dish or a hearty and satisfying main course, this article has something to offer every culinary enthusiast. With its detailed instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photography, this guide will inspire you to create restaurant-worthy dishes that will impress your family and friends. So, embark on this culinary journey and discover the endless possibilities that asparagus has to offer.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH PINE NUTS
Make and share this Roasted Asparagus With Pine Nuts recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Charlotte J
Categories Vegetable
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spread pine nuts in a small baking pan and toast in the oven until golden and fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
- Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.
- Snap off the tough ends of asparagus.
- Toss the asparagus with shallot, oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet with sides.
- Roast, turning twice, until the asparagus is tender and browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring vinegar and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 5 minutes.
- To serve, toss the asparagus with the reduced vinegar and sprinkle with the pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 103.4, Fat 5.5, SaturatedFat 0.6, Sodium 173.6, Carbohydrate 11.1, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 4.8, Protein 4.9
ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE
Categories Vegetable Appetizer Quick & Easy Low Sodium Summer Boil Gourmet
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Trim asparagus and have ready a large bowl of ice and cold water. In a large saucepan of boiling salted water cook asparagus until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, and with tongs transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain asparagus well in a colander and pat dry.
- Gently toss asparagus with vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE
Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl toss the asparagus in the olive oil, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Spread the stalks out on a baking sheet, in a single layer, and roast until tender but still firm and moist, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the mustard and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking quickly to emulsify the olive oil into the juice mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter, toss with the vinaigrette and serve. The dish may be eaten warm or cold.
LEMON-ROASTED ASPARAGUS
When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy recipe burst with every bite. -Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. Place asparagus in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Mix remaining ingredients; drizzle over asparagus. Toss to coat. Roast until crisp-tender, 8-12 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 154mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
ASPARAGUS WITH TOASTED PINE NUTS & LEMON VINAIGRETTE
Steps:
- 1. Snap off tough ends of asparagus.
- 2. Remove scales from stalks with knife or vegetable peeler, if desired.
- 3. Place spears in a steaming rack over boiling water; cover and steam 4-5 minutes or until spears are crisp-tender.
- 4. Transfer to a serving platter.
- 5. Sautee pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat 2-3 minutes, until browned.
- 6. Set aside.
- 7. Combine olive oil and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan; stir with a wire whisk to blend.
- 8. Cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.
- 9. Pour over asparagus.
- 10. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
- 11. Let stand to room temperature before serving.
WHITE BEAN PRIMAVERA
Pasta primavera, the creamy, vegetable-heavy pasta dish popularized in the 1980s at Le Cirque, in New York, is a little too fussy for a busy weeknight, but this reimagined white bean version comes together in less than a half-hour. The simple beans and vegetables feel fancy in their robe of cream, Parmesan, lemon juice and mustard. The dish is best with fresh spring vegetables, and it's also very flexible: Substitute spinach for the peas, a handful of halved cherry tomatoes for the carrot, and sugar snap peas for the asparagus. Drained jarred artichoke hearts wouldn't be out of place, either.
Provided by Sarah DiGregorio
Categories dinner, lunch, weeknight, beans, main course, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet (preferably straight-sided) over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and 1 teaspoon salt, and stir, then cook undisturbed in an even layer until one side is golden, about 4 minutes. (It's great if the butter browns, but decrease the heat if it threatens to get too dark.) Stir in the asparagus, carrot and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the peas, scallions and ½ teaspoon salt, then add the red-pepper flakes, oregano and a generous amount of black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the peas are warmed through and bright green, about 2 minutes.
- Add the white beans and the cream, lower the heat to medium, and let the cream come to a simmer. Simmer for about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, Parmesan and Dijon. Taste and season with more salt, pepper or lemon juice as needed. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of warm water to the creamy beans to loosen as you like; the sauce will thicken as it cools. (You may need more water when you reheat any leftovers.) Serve in bowls topped with the nuts and a handful of basil leaves. Pass more Parmesan at the table.
Tips:
- Choose the right asparagus: Look for asparagus spears that are bright green, firm, and have tightly closed tips. Avoid spears that are limp or have yellow or brown spots.
- Prepare the asparagus properly: Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and trim off the woody ends. You can also peel the asparagus spears if desired, but this is not necessary.
- Cook the asparagus quickly: Asparagus cooks quickly, so it's important to not overcook it. Blanching the asparagus in boiling water for 1-2 minutes is a good way to cook it quickly and evenly.
- Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. You can toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown.
- Make the lemon vinaigrette: The lemon vinaigrette is a simple but flavorful dressing that complements the asparagus and pine nuts. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the asparagus immediately: Asparagus is best served immediately after it is cooked. You can garnish the asparagus with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Conclusion:
Asparagus with Toasted Pine Nuts and Lemon Vinaigrette is a simple but delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The asparagus is cooked quickly and evenly, and the lemon vinaigrette adds a bright and flavorful touch. The toasted pine nuts add a nice nutty crunch to the dish. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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