🌱 Asparagus in Hazelnut Butter Sauce 🌰
Asparagus in Hazelnut Butter Sauce is a delectable and elegant dish that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the rich and nutty taste of hazelnut butter. This dish makes for a delicious and visually appealing addition to your meal.
📜 History:
The history of this dish is not well-documented, but both asparagus and hazelnuts have long histories in the culinary world. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that has been enjoyed for thousands of years, with records of its consumption dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans. Hazelnuts, on the other hand, have been used in various culinary applications throughout history. The combination of the two in a dish like this likely emerged from a desire to pair the earthy, slightly bitter taste of asparagus with the creamy, nutty flavors of hazelnut butter.
📋 Components:
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Hazelnut butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic (for flavor)
- Lemon juice (for a touch of acidity)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- Optional garnishes such as chopped hazelnuts or fresh herbs
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Asparagus: Wash and trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears. You can do this by snapping off the woody ends where they naturally break or by using a knife to trim them.
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Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then, stir in the hazelnut butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
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Serve: Arrange the blanched asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle the hazelnut butter sauce over the top. You can garnish with chopped hazelnuts or fresh herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal.
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Enjoy: Serve your asparagus in hazelnut butter sauce immediately while it’s still warm.
⏱️ Time Needed:
The total time to prepare this dish may vary, but on average, it takes around 20-30 minutes. This includes the time for trimming and blanching the asparagus, making the hazelnut butter sauce, and assembling the dish.
This elegant asparagus in hazelnut butter sauce combines the freshness of asparagus with the rich and nutty flavors of hazelnut butter. It’s a wonderful choice for a side dish, especially when you want to impress your guests with a touch of gourmet flair. Enjoy! 🍽️🌿🌰
🌱 Asparagus in Hazelnut Butter Sauce – Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🌰
Here are some nutrition facts and health information for this delectable dish:
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving, depending on portion size.
- Fat: The hazelnut butter contributes to the fat content, which can be around 10-15 grams per serving.
- Protein: Asparagus contains a modest amount of protein, providing around 3-4 grams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Asparagus is relatively low in carbs, contributing around 4-6 grams per serving.
- Fiber: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, with approximately 2-3 grams per serving.
- Vitamins: Asparagus is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and several B vitamins.
- Minerals: It contains essential minerals like folate, potassium, and iron.
- Healthy Fats: Hazelnut butter provides monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
🥦 Health Information:
- Low in Calories: Asparagus is low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
- Rich in Fiber: Asparagus provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Asparagus is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin K for bone health and vitamin A for healthy skin and vision.
- Minerals: It contains important minerals like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Healthy Fats: The hazelnut butter in this recipe contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is relatively low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
Asparagus in hazelnut butter sauce can be a nutritious and flavorful addition to your diet. It provides a good balance of macronutrients and important vitamins and minerals, while the hazelnut butter adds a touch of richness and healthy fats. Just be mindful of portion size, as the hazelnut butter can increase the calorie and fat content of the dish. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a well-balanced meal! 🥦🌰🍽️
