Cold Asparagus with Pecans Recipe
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Yield: Not specified
Description:
This delightful Cold Asparagus with Pecans recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for entertaining guests. Coming straight from the Junior League Centennial Cookbook, it promises a burst of flavors with minimal effort. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time, up to a day and a half before serving, allowing you more time to focus on other aspects of your gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil (amount not specified, used for mixing pecans)
Instructions:
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Prepare Asparagus: Begin by trimming the fresh asparagus, removing any tough ends. Then, in a pot of boiling water, cook the asparagus for approximately 6-7 minutes, or until they are just tender yet still retain their vibrant green color. Once cooked, drain the asparagus and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain them again thoroughly.
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Arrange Asparagus: Take an oblong serving dish and arrange the cooked asparagus in one or two layers, ensuring they lie flat and are evenly distributed across the dish.
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Prepare Pecan Mixture: In a bowl, combine the pecans with the olive oil, cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This mixture will add a delightful crunch and flavor to the asparagus.
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Coat Asparagus: Pour the prepared pecan mixture over the arranged asparagus, ensuring that the stalks are evenly coated. Gently lift the asparagus stalks as you pour to allow the mixture to penetrate to the bottom layer, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
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Season: Sprinkle the coated asparagus with ground black pepper to add a hint of spice and depth of flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
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Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill. Allowing the flavors to meld together while chilling will enhance the taste of the dish.
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Serve: Once thoroughly chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator and serve the Cold Asparagus with Pecans as a refreshing and flavorful side dish. The crispness of the asparagus paired with the crunchy pecans and tangy-sweet dressing will surely impress your guests.
Make-Ahead Tip:
This dish can be prepared up to 36 hours in advance, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. Simply follow the instructions up to step 6, and store the dish in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This make-ahead feature allows you to focus on other preparations closer to your event while still serving a delicious and impressive dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 169
- Fat: 14.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 673.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.8g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Protein: 5g
Recipe Tags:
Vegetable, Nuts, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Brunch, Less than 30 Minutes, Refrigerator, Stove Top, Easy
This Cold Asparagus with Pecans recipe is a testament to simplicity meeting sophistication, offering a burst of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. Whether served as a side dish or part of a brunch spread, it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy the convenience of preparing it ahead of time without compromising on taste! 🌱🥗
