Asparagus Ribbons With Lemon and Goat Cheese

🍽️ Asparagus Ribbons With Lemon and Goat Cheese 🍋🧀

Asparagus ribbons with lemon and goat cheese is a delightful and elegant dish that combines the freshness of asparagus, the zesty tang of lemon, and the creamy richness of goat cheese. It’s a perfect side dish for any special occasion or a dinner party, or you can enjoy it as a light and healthy appetizer.

History:
The history of this specific dish isn’t well-documented, but asparagus, goat cheese, and lemon have been enjoyed in various culinary traditions for centuries. Asparagus is known to have been cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans, while goat cheese has a long history in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The combination of these ingredients in a contemporary dish reflects the modern trend of combining different textures and flavors to create a harmonious and visually appealing plate.

Components:

• Fresh asparagus spears
• Goat cheese
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley, optional)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Asparagus:

   • Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends. You can snap them at the natural breaking point or use a knife.
   • Using a vegetable peeler, carefully shave the asparagus into long, thin ribbons. Start from just below the tip and work your way down.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, combine the juice of a lemon with some olive oil. The ratio of lemon juice to olive oil can be adjusted to your taste.

3. Marinate the Asparagus:

   • Toss the asparagus ribbons in the lemon and olive oil dressing. This will add a zesty, fresh flavor to the dish.

4. Season and Plate:

   • Season the asparagus with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor.

5. Add Goat Cheese:

   • Crumble or spread goat cheese over the asparagus ribbons. The creamy goat cheese complements the crisp asparagus and zesty lemon beautifully.

6. Serve:

   • Arrange the asparagus ribbons on a serving platter or individual plates, ensuring an even distribution of goat cheese.

7. Garnish:

   • You can garnish the dish with lemon zest, additional fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for this dish is approximately 15-20 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy recipe. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute addition to your menu for a special occasion.

This dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors and delicate ribbons but also bursting with flavors, making it a memorable addition to any meal. Enjoy the combination of the earthy asparagus, the bright citrus of lemon, and the creamy tang of goat cheese in every bite! 🍽️🍋🧀

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the “Asparagus Ribbons With Lemon and Goat Cheese” recipe:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 150-200 calories
• Protein: 5-8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 6-8 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
• Fat: 10-12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 10-15 mg
• Sodium: 150-200 mg
• Vitamin A: 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 30-40% of the DV
• Folate: 15-20% of the DV
• Calcium: 4-6% of the DV
• Iron: 10-15% of the DV

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

2. High in Fiber: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.

3. Rich in Vitamins: Asparagus provides a significant amount of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and vitamin C, which are important for skin health, immunity, and vision.

4. Good Source of Folate: Folate is essential for cell division and is especially important for pregnant women. Asparagus is a decent source of folate.

5. Healthy Fats: While there is some fat in the dish from the olive oil and goat cheese, these fats are predominantly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.

6. Moderate Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on how much salt you use, but it can be controlled to fit dietary preferences.

7. Low in Cholesterol: The goat cheese adds a small amount of cholesterol, but this dish remains relatively low in cholesterol.

8. Low in Carbohydrates: If you’re watching your carb intake, this dish is relatively low in carbs.

Overall, this dish is a healthy and nutritious option, providing essential vitamins and minerals, while also being low in calories and offering dietary fiber to promote satiety and digestive health. It’s a delicious way to incorporate asparagus into your diet.