As you sit on your porch, warming in the embrace of the summer sun, you can’t help but crave a dish that captures the season’s freshness. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Dispel the summer heat with a quick, light, and tangy recipe that screams “bring on the sunshine” – the Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Almonds. Not only does it taste heavenly, but this dish is also a rockstar for your heart health. As it twirls its magic wand, every bite brims with a festivity of flavors.
Ingredients List
For this delightful mix of summer flavours, you’ll need:
– Asparagus, fresh and firm, about 500 grams
– Almonds, ideally sliced, roughly a quarter cup
– Zest and juice of one fresh, vibrant lemon
– Extra virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Rock Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill on medium heat until it’s perfectly primed for action. Now, the real magic of ‘Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Almonds’ begins.
2. Next up, lightly coat the asparagus with olive oil. Toss it around until it’s well dressed with the glimmering golden sheen of the oil.
3. Lay the asparagus on the grill, spice it up with pepper, and season with salt. Ideally, you want the asparagus to sizzle and char slightly for that summer grill flavor and beautiful grill marks.
4. While the asparagus is lapping up the heat, let’s zap up those almonds. In a small saucepan, gently toast the almond slices until they’re golden and crispy.
5. Finally, zest the zesty lemon over your asparagus and give it a good squeeze of refreshing lemon juice. Finish up by sprinkling all those toasted almonds on top.
Cooking Time & Servings
This lovely palate-pleasing dish whips up in a jiffy. With just about 10-15 minutes of grilling time, this recipe serves around 4 people.
Nutritional Information
Not just a party for your palate, Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Almonds is also a powerhouse of nutrition. Asparagus is rich in fiber and packed with antioxidants which have a positive effect on your heart. Almonds come packed with monounsaturated fats and vitamin E that are good for your heart health. The lemon zest and juice orchestrate a vitamin C carnival that is beneficial for your immune system.
Speaking about CoQ10, it’s present in the almonds you would use in this recipe, even if a small amount, every little helps your heart health.
Tips and Tricks
– Picking the right asparagus is crucial – select those with firm stalks and tight, vibrant green or purple tips.
– You can always substitute almonds for other nuts like pecans or walnuts depending on your preference.
– Squeeze the lemon right before serving for that extra zing!
As we conclude this culinary journey
Not only tantalizes your taste buds but also boosts your well-being, Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Almonds stands as a testament to the fact that healthy does not have to be bland. Now, it’s your turn to whip up this heart-smart dish. Post snaps on social media and give this fantastic goodness a spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of nut instead of almonds?
Definitely! You can experiment with walnuts or pecans depending on your preference.
2. What can be a good side dish for this?
You can pair it with grilled fish or roasted chicken for a delicious, wholesome meal.
3. Can this dish be made ahead?
Surely! Just grill the asparagus and keep it ready. When you’re about to serve, squeeze the lemon and sprinkle the toasted almonds.
4. How long to grill asparagus?
Usually, for medium thickness, it takes 10-15 minutes to grill asparagus perfectly.
5. Can I replace lemon with another citrus?
Absolutely! You might want to try the recipe with oranges for a sweeter twist.
