🌱 Asparagus Supreme 🌱
Asparagus Supreme is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the earthy goodness of asparagus with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a popular side dish that can be served on its own or paired with various main courses. Here’s a detailed response to your questions, complete with emojis:
📜 History:
The exact origin of Asparagus Supreme is not well-documented, but asparagus has been consumed for centuries in various cultures. Asparagus itself is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, and it has been considered a delicacy for a long time. Asparagus dishes, like Asparagus Supreme, gained popularity in the mid-20th century when creamy sauces and casseroles were all the rage.
🥦 Components:
To prepare a delicious Asparagus Supreme, you will need the following components:
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bread crumbs
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika)
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Asparagus Supreme:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and trim the tough ends of the asparagus. You can do this by snapping off the woody ends or cutting them to the desired length.
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Blanch Asparagus: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly tender. Drain and transfer to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
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Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Layer the Dish: In a baking dish, place a layer of blanched asparagus. Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus, ensuring it’s well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, and then add a layer of bread crumbs for a crispy finish. Optionally, you can sprinkle some paprika for extra flavor.
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Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the sauce is bubbly.
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Serve: Once it’s done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve your Asparagus Supreme while it’s still warm, and enjoy!
⏱️ Cooking Time:
The total time needed to prepare Asparagus Supreme can vary, but it typically takes around 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep and baking time. This dish is relatively quick and straightforward to make.
So, next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, consider making Asparagus Supreme. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the unique flavor of asparagus in a creamy and cheesy context! 😋🍽️
🌱 Asparagus Supreme Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🌱
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus Supreme:
🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6th of the recipe)
📊 Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving (varies based on specific recipe and portion size)
- Protein: 6-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Fat: 13-18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-40 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
- Vitamin A: About 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: Around 10-15% of the DV
- Calcium: Approximately 15-20% of the DV
- Iron: About 10% of the DV
🥦 Health Information:
- Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable, making Asparagus Supreme a relatively healthy choice when prepared in moderation.
- Asparagus is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
- It’s rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium.
- Asparagus is known for its high antioxidant content, which may help protect your cells from damage.
- However, the creamy and cheesy sauce in Asparagus Supreme adds calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol. While delicious, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
- To make it a bit healthier, you can consider using low-fat dairy options or reducing the amount of cheese and butter in the recipe.
Remember that the actual nutrition content can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. If you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional to make adjustments to suit your needs. Enjoy your Asparagus Supreme in moderation for a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal! 😊🍴
