Roasted Asparagus with Gremolata and Pine Nuts
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Delicious Springtime Side Dish
Author:
Recipe type: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 3 TBSP. pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 TBSP. olive oil
  • 1 lb. asparagus
  • ---- ---- salt and freshly ground pepper
  • ---- ---- zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 med. garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F.
  2. Spread the pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing once, until lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody bottoms. To do this, hold a spear with both hands and find the natural bending point near the bottom of the stalk. Then snap. (Make sure your hands are near the bottom, or you risk discarding too much.) The asparagus spear should break at a point where it has started to lose its moisture. If your asparagus is medium or fat in size, use a vegetable peeler and peel from the middle of the spear towards the root end to remove the tough skin.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the toasted pine nuts to a small bowl. Arrange the asparagus spears on the same baking sheet, and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast for about 10 or 12 minutes, depending on their size.
  5. While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the gremolata. Chop the fresh parsley, mince the garlic and zest a lemon. Mix everything in a small bowl and set aside.
  6. Remove the asparagus from the oven, drizzle with the lemon juice and top with the Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and the gremolata. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can also grill the asparagus in this recipe. Toss the asparagus with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat until tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
Recipe by Marilena's Kitchen at https://marilenaskitchen.com/roasted-asparagus-with-gremolata-and-pine-nuts/