🍽️ Asparagus with Basil Parmesan Butter 🍽️
Asparagus with Basil Parmesan Butter is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of asparagus with the rich and aromatic blend of basil and Parmesan butter. This dish is a wonderful way to elevate the flavor of asparagus and create a memorable side or appetizer.
📜 History:
The history of this specific dish isn’t well-documented, but both asparagus and Parmesan cheese have a long and storied culinary history. Asparagus is known to have been cultivated by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, and it was enjoyed for its unique flavor and purported health benefits. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, has been made in Italy for over 900 years. The combination of these ingredients likely emerged in more recent times as a result of culinary experimentation.
🥦 Components:
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
📝 Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Asparagus: Start by washing and trimming the tough ends of the asparagus. You can snap the asparagus at the point where it naturally breaks to remove the woody ends.
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Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus by boiling it for 2-3 minutes or until it’s crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps the asparagus retain its vibrant green color.
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Prepare the Basil Parmesan Butter: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, softened butter, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth and flavorful basil Parmesan butter.
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Serve: Arrange the blanched asparagus on a serving platter. Dollop or drizzle the basil Parmesan butter over the asparagus.
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Garnish: For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, you can garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves.
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Enjoy: Serve your asparagus with basil Parmesan butter as a side dish or appetizer, and savor the delicious combination of flavors.
⏰ Time Needed:
The total time to prepare this dish typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy option for a tasty side dish or appetizer.
Now, with your asparagus with basil Parmesan butter ready to delight your taste buds, enjoy your meal! 🍽️😊
Sure, here are the nutrition facts and some health information related to Asparagus with Basil Parmesan Butter:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 150-200 calories (mainly from asparagus and the butter)
- Protein: 4-6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6-8 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 12-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
- Cholesterol: 25-30 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
- Vitamin A: About 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: About 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
- Calcium: About 15-20% of the daily recommended intake
- Iron: About 10-15% of the daily recommended intake
🍽️ Health Information:
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Asparagus: Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that’s rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (particularly A, C, and K), and minerals (such as folate). It’s also a source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. Asparagus is known for its potential diuretic properties, which may support kidney health. It’s a great addition to a balanced diet.
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Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a dairy product that’s high in calcium and protein. However, it’s also relatively high in saturated fat and sodium. Moderation is key when consuming Parmesan cheese. The basil Parmesan butter used in this recipe may contribute to the saturated fat content, so it’s wise to use it in moderation.
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Butter: Butter is a source of saturated fat. The butter in this recipe adds richness and flavor, but it should be used in moderation for those watching their saturated fat intake. You can consider using alternatives like olive oil or a lower-fat spread if you’re concerned about the fat content.
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Basil: Basil is an herb that provides some vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and manganese. It’s also known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Olive Oil: If you choose to use olive oil as a substitute in this recipe, it’s a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It also contains antioxidants and may have potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease.
Overall, this dish can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to your diet, but it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially when it comes to butter and Parmesan cheese, due to their saturated fat content. Additionally, asparagus is a great source of fiber and vitamins, making it a nutritious vegetable choice.
