Whenever I think about asparagus, I remember this one spring afternoon when I wandered into a local farmer’s market and stumbled upon the freshest bunches, their spears standing proudly like little green soldiers. Sautéing asparagus with garlic transforms it into something magical—a side dish that feels like a secret garden on your plate. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dish that tastes like a sunny day?
Steps
- Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the pan and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the asparagus, stirring constantly for another 1-2 minutes.
- Once the asparagus is flavored and cooked, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 pound of asparagus stalks, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped parsley (alternative options: green onions or fresh dill)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1120IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2.6mg
FAQ
- How do I properly trim asparagus?
- To remove the tough and woody parts of asparagus, bend one stalk until it naturally snaps. The spot where it breaks marks the beginning of the tender section. You can then align all the stalks and trim them at the same point to ensure consistency.
- What is the best way to saute asparagus?
- To achieve perfectly sauteed asparagus, cook it until it’s just tender and turns a vibrant green. This ensures the asparagus is cooked through but still maintains a slight crunch. Add garlic towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can simply substitute olive oil for butter in the recipe to make it vegan-friendly.
- What are some variations I can try with sauteed asparagus?
- You can add various ingredients to your sauteed asparagus to enhance its flavor. Consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, shallots, olives, cheese like feta or parmesan, or toasted pine nuts.
- Is asparagus a healthy vegetable?
- Absolutely, asparagus is nutritious and packed with vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as folate, iron, copper, and calcium. It’s also low in calories, high in fiber, and contains minimal carbohydrates.
Tips
- Opt for medium-sized asparagus stalks for the best results. Thin stalks can become mushy when cooked, while thicker ones might need a few extra minutes to cook through properly.
- For a vegan alternative, swap out the butter with olive oil, maintaining the dish’s rich flavor without using animal products.
- Introduce the garlic towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning and overpowering the dish with a bitter taste.
- If you don’t have dried Italian seasoning, you can create your own blend using herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, or choose a store-bought mix available in most grocery stores.
Equipment
- Large Sauté Pan or Skillet: A heavy-duty pan that allows for even heating is essential for sautéing the asparagus properly.
- Garlic Press: If you don’t already have a way to mince garlic, a garlic press can be very helpful.
- Herb Chopper or Herb Scissors: Useful for chopping fresh parsley or other herbs quickly and efficiently.
- Kitchen Shears: These can be useful for trimming asparagus stalks quickly.
