Looking for a vibrant and healthy dish that will elevate your dining experience? Dive into the delightful world of "Asparagus with Pine Nuts and Lemon Vinaigrette Sierra"! This Italian-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform fresh asparagus into a gourmet dish that impresses at any gathering. Ready to discover how to make this irresistible side that pairs perfectly with any meal? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. To do this, hold each spear and snap at the natural breaking point where the tender part meets the tough stem.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they become golden brown and fragrant. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water nearby for blanching.
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears.
- Immediately remove the asparagus with tongs and plunge into the prepared ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drain the asparagus thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared lemon vinaigrette.
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts evenly over the asparagus just before serving.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is still warm and the pine nuts are crisp.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green asparagus spears with tightly closed tips. Thinner spears tend to be more tender, while thicker ones can be slightly tougher.
- Perfectly Toasted Pine Nuts: Keep a close eye on your pine nuts while toasting them; they can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir constantly to ensure even browning.
- Blanching Technique: Blanching the asparagus not only enhances its vibrant color but also locks in nutrients. Make sure to plunge it into ice water immediately after boiling to halt the cooking process.
- Adjust the Vinaigrette: Feel free to tweak the lemon vinaigrette to your taste. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a pinch of garlic for an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is best served warm. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve it as a stunning appetizer at your next dinner party.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
