Asparagus Grilled With Garlic, Rosemary, and Lemon

🌱 Asparagus Grilled With Garlic, Rosemary, and Lemon 🍋

Asparagus grilled with garlic, rosemary, and lemon is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the aromatic and zesty notes of garlic, rosemary, and lemon. This dish is a perfect side for various meals and is especially popular during the spring and summer seasons when asparagus is in its prime.

📜 History:
Asparagus has been enjoyed for centuries and has a long history of cultivation. It is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean and was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Asparagus made its way to Europe and eventually to North America, where it has become a staple in many cuisines.

🥦 Components:
To make asparagus grilled with garlic, rosemary, and lemon, you will need the following components:

Fresh asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced or thinly sliced 🧄
Fresh rosemary sprigs, about 2-3 sprigs 🌿
1-2 lemons, both the zest and juice 🍋
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂🌶️

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

Prep the Asparagus: Start by washing the asparagus and trimming off the tough woody ends. You can simply snap off the ends where they naturally break or use a knife to trim them.
Marinate: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, rosemary leaves (removed from the sprigs), a generous drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creates a fragrant marinade.
Coat the Asparagus: Toss the asparagus in the marinade, ensuring each spear is well-coated.
Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the asparagus directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until the asparagus is tender and has grill marks.
Lemon Finish: As the asparagus is grilling, squeeze fresh lemon juice over it. The lemon juice adds a bright and zesty flavor.
Serve: Remove the grilled asparagus from the grill, and drizzle with a bit more olive oil and a pinch of salt if needed. Serve it hot, and you can garnish with additional lemon zest for extra flavor.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare this dish is approximately 20-25 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful addition to your meal. The preparation is straightforward, and the grilling process is relatively fast.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy asparagus dish, bursting with flavor from garlic, rosemary, and lemon! 🍽️😋👌

🌱 Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🍋

Asparagus grilled with garlic, rosemary, and lemon is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Here are some key nutrition facts and health information about this dish:

🍽️ Serving Size: The nutrition values provided below are approximate for a 1-cup (134g) serving of grilled asparagus.

🔶 Calories: A 1-cup serving of grilled asparagus contains approximately 27 calories.

🥦 Asparagus Nutrition:

Fiber: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, with about 2.8 grams per cup. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help with satiety.
Vitamins: Asparagus is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K (important for blood clotting), vitamin A (for vision and skin health), vitamin C (an antioxidant), and various B vitamins.
Minerals: It contains essential minerals like folate, which is important for cell division, and small amounts of potassium and iron.
Antioxidants: Asparagus contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

🧄 Garlic Nutrition:

Allicin: Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its potential health benefits, including cardiovascular and immune system support.
Vitamins and Minerals: Garlic provides vitamins B6 and C, as well as manganese and selenium.

🍋 Lemon Nutrition:

Vitamin C: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health.
Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help reduce oxidative stress.

🌿 Rosemary Nutrition:

Antioxidants: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which may have various health benefits.
Vitamins and Minerals: It provides small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals like calcium and iron.

💡 Health Benefits:

Asparagus is low in calories and provides essential nutrients, making it a great choice for weight management.
The combination of asparagus, garlic, and lemon offers a boost of vitamins and antioxidants that can support your immune system and overall health.
The garlic in this recipe may provide potential cardiovascular benefits and help lower cholesterol levels.
Lemon’s vitamin C content supports your skin health and can help with the absorption of iron from plant-based foods like asparagus.

Keep in mind that the overall health benefits of this dish are influenced by portion size and the rest of your diet. It’s a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals, offering a burst of flavor and important nutrients. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 🥗👌