Imagine a side dish so elegant and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. Our Asparagus with Caper Dill Sauce is not just a recipe; it's a gastronomic experience that brings the freshness of spring directly to your plate. With a perfect balance of tangy capers, zesty lemon, and aromatic dill, this dish promises to elevate your cooking skills and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the tough woody ends by holding each spear and gently bending until it naturally breaks at its natural breaking point.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the asparagus flavor.
- Carefully place the trimmed asparagus into the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender but still crisp.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will help stop the cooking process and maintain the asparagus's vibrant color.
- Once the asparagus is cooked, immediately transfer it from the boiling water to the ice bath using tongs. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to cool completely.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, rinsed capers, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
- Remove the asparagus from the ice bath and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle the caper dill sauce evenly over the top.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer, garnishing with extra fresh dill if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- The natural breaking point method ensures you remove only the tough, woody ends without wasting precious vegetable.
- Use an ice bath immediately after blanching to preserve the asparagus's bright green color and crisp texture.
- Don't overcook! 3-4 minutes is the sweet spot for maintaining that perfect tender-crisp consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider lightly toasting the capers in a dry pan before adding them to the sauce.
- Use fresh dill if possible, as it provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced and bright sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
