๐ฝ๏ธ Apricot-Glazed Roasted Asparagus: A Delicious Delight! ๐ฝ๏ธ
What is it?
Apricot-Glazed Roasted Asparagus is a delightful dish that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the sweet and tangy goodness of an apricot glaze. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its vibrant colors and flavors.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is a bit elusive, but it’s a modern creation that showcases the fusion of flavors and culinary creativity. Asparagus has been enjoyed for centuries, while the combination with apricot glaze likely emerged as a result of experimenting with contrasting flavors to create a unique and harmonious taste experience.
Components:
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Apricot preserves or apricot jam
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Optional garnishes like chopped fresh herbs or slivered almonds
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
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Prep the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends. You can do this by gently bending the spear, and it will naturally snap where it becomes tender.
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Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves or jam with a tablespoon of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Heat this mixture over low heat until it’s well combined and slightly runny.
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Toss the Asparagus: Place the trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
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Roast the Asparagus: Place the asparagus in the preheated oven and roast for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender but still crisp.
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Glaze and Finish: Remove the asparagus from the oven and brush them generously with the apricot glaze. Return them to the oven for another 5-7 minutes or until the glaze caramelizes and the asparagus becomes slightly crispy at the edges.
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Serve: Plate your Apricot-Glazed Roasted Asparagus, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs or slivered almonds if desired.
Total Time:
- Preparation: 10-15 minutes
- Cooking: 20-25 minutes
- Total: Approximately 30-40 minutes
This dish is perfect as a side for a special dinner or as a unique addition to your holiday feasts. The combination of the tender asparagus and the sweet-tangy apricot glaze creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s sure to impress your taste buds and guests. Enjoy! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐๐ฑ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot-Glazed Roasted Asparagus:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Total Fat: 3-5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18-20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 13-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Vitamin A: 20-25% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 15-20% DV
- Vitamin K: 40-50% DV
- Folate: 25-30% DV
- Potassium: 10% DV
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Apricot-Glazed Roasted Asparagus is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy side dish option, especially for those watching their calorie intake.
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Rich in Fiber: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full, potentially contributing to weight management.
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Vitamins: Asparagus is packed with essential vitamins, such as Vitamin A, C, and K. Vitamin A is important for healthy skin and vision, Vitamin C boosts the immune system, and Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
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Folate: Asparagus is a significant source of folate, an essential B-vitamin that is particularly important for pregnant women as it helps prevent neural tube defects in infants.
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Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
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Natural Sweetness: The apricot glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness without relying on excessive added sugars.
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Antioxidants: Asparagus contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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Low Sodium: The sodium content can be controlled, which is beneficial for individuals who need to manage their sodium intake.
Remember that the nutrition content can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. As with any dish, moderation is key, and this delicious recipe can be a healthy and flavorful addition to your diet when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. ๐ฑ๐๐ฝ๏ธ