Looking for a delicious side dish to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than baked parmesan and garlic asparagus! This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to impress your guests and have them asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables in a tasty way.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Preparing the Asparagus
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the asparagus and pat dry with a paper towel.
Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and discard them.
Step 2
Making the Parmesan and Garlic Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and minced garlic.
In a separate bowl, mix together the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Add the garlic and olive oil mixture to the bowl with the parmesan cheese and mix until well combined.
Step 3
Baking the Asparagus
Place the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Drizzle the parmesan and garlic mixture over the asparagus.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the parmesan cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Salmon with Curry Risotto by Ricelect
If you’re looking for a main dish to pair with your baked parmesan and garlic asparagus, try this delicious salmon with risotto by Ricelect. This dish features tender baked salmon served on a bed of creamy curry risotto. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Different ways to prepare asparagus
Besides the recipe for baked asparagus with parmesan and garlic, there are many other ways to prepare this delicious vegetable. One popular way to cook asparagus is grilled. To grill asparagus, simply brush the asparagus with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, place them on the grill and cook until tender and lightly browned.
Another option is to sauté the asparagus in a pan with a little olive oil and minced garlic. Add your favorite spices and cook the asparagus until tender. You can also wrap the asparagus with prosciutto or prosciutto and roast in the oven until crispy.
Asparagus also makes an excellent addition to salads. Simply cut the asparagus into chunks and toss with your favorite ingredients. Add a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette for an extra kick of flavor.
Types of Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is an essential ingredient in the recipe for baked asparagus with parmesan and garlic, and it is a hard, granulated Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. Although Parmesan cheese originated in Parma, Italy, it is now produced all over the world.
There are several types of Parmesan cheese available in the market, which differ in age, flavor, and texture. One of the most popular types is Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is produced in the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. Parmigiano-Reggiano is matured for at least 24 months, giving it an intense flavor and a fine, granulated texture.
Another type of Parmesan cheese is Grana Padano, which is produced in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Grana Padano is matured for a shorter period than Parmigiano-Reggiano, giving it a milder flavor and a coarser texture.
Variations of the Baked Parmesan and Garlic Asparagus recipe
The Baked Parmesan and Garlic Asparagus recipe is a delicious way to prepare fresh asparagus with a touch of garlic and Parmesan cheese. However, there are many variations you can make to customize the recipe and adapt it to your tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas:
Add serrano ham
To give it a smoky flavor, you can wrap the asparagus in serrano ham before sprinkling it with garlic and Parmesan cheese. This will give the recipe an extra touch of saltiness and a crunchy texture.
Use other cheeses
Although Parmesan cheese is the traditional cheese used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheeses. For example, feta cheese, goat cheese, and blue cheese are great options to add a unique flavor and a creamy texture.
Add nuts
To add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, you can add chopped nuts to the garlic and Parmesan cheese mixture. Nuts are also an excellent source of healthy fats and protein.
Add lemon
If you prefer a fresher, citrusy flavor, you can add lemon juice and zest to the garlic and Parmesan cheese mixture. The lemon will give the recipe an extra touch of acidity and a refreshing flavor.
Add herbs
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage are great options to add an additional flavor to the recipe. Simply add the chopped herbs to the garlic and Parmesan cheese mixture before sprinkling over the asparagus.
Health benefits of baked asparagus with parmesan and garlic
In addition to being delicious, Baked Parmesan and Garlic Asparagus is also an excellent option for maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some of the health benefits they provide:
Rich in nutrients: Asparagus is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer.
Low in calories: Asparagus has a low calorie and carbohydrate content, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or follow a low-carbohydrate diet.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Asparagus contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Baked asparagus with parmesan and garlic is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they are also rich in nutrients and have many health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish for your next dinner or just want to enjoy a healthy snack, baked asparagus with parmesan and garlic is an excellent choice to prepare.
