๐ฑ Asparagus Steamed With Lemon Butter ๐
Asparagus steamed with lemon butter is a delightful and simple dish that combines the earthy, tender flavor of asparagus with the zesty brightness of lemon and the richness of butter. It’s a perfect side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
History:
Asparagus has been consumed for centuries and is believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean. It has been cultivated and enjoyed for its unique flavor and health benefits. The combination of asparagus with lemon and butter is a classic and timeless culinary pairing, often attributed to French and Mediterranean cuisines.
Components:
- Fresh asparagus spears: Choose young, tender asparagus for the best results.
- Lemon: For its zesty citrus flavor.
- Butter: Used to add richness and a smooth texture to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
Steps to Prepare:
- Preparation: Begin by washing the asparagus spears and trimming the tough, woody ends. You can snap off the ends or use a knife to trim them.
- Steaming: Steam the asparagus. You can do this by placing the asparagus in a steamer basket or in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Steam for about 3-5 minutes or until the asparagus becomes tender but still has a slight crunch.
- Lemon Butter Sauce: While the asparagus is steaming, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted, squeeze the juice from the lemon into the butter and stir. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Once the asparagus is done, remove it from the steamer and transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the steamed asparagus.
- Serve: Your asparagus steamed with lemon butter is ready to be served! The lemon butter sauce will add a tangy and creamy element to the asparagus.
Time Needed:
- Preparation time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking time: Approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your steaming method and the thickness of the asparagus.
- Total time: 15-20 minutes.
Enjoy this dish as a side to your favorite entrees, and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of asparagus, lemon, and butter. ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Asparagus Steamed With Lemon Butter:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories
- Total Fat: About 7-9 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4-5 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 20-25 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 70-100 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: About 5-7 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Sugars: Less than 1 gram
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Vitamin A: About 20-25% of the daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: Approximately 20-30% of the daily recommended intake
- Vitamin K: Around 50-60% of the daily recommended intake
- Folate: Approximately 20-25% of the daily recommended intake
- Potassium: About 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
Health Information:
- Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable and is a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
- It is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
- Asparagus is also a good source of folate, which is essential for cell division and is especially important during pregnancy.
- The lemon butter sauce adds flavor but also contributes to the dish’s fat content. While it’s delicious, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation if you are concerned about your fat intake.
Remember that the nutrition facts can vary slightly based on the serving size and the specific ingredients used, so it’s essential to consider your portion size when evaluating the nutritional content of your meal. Enjoy your asparagus steamed with lemon butter as part of a balanced diet! ๐ฑ๐
