👨🍳 Asparagus With Basil-Parmesan Butter 🍽️
Asparagus with Basil-Parmesan Butter is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the earthy, nutty taste of asparagus with the rich, herbaceous notes of basil and Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that brings together the freshness of asparagus with the savory goodness of the buttery sauce.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it likely emerged as a result of creative culinary experimentation, merging the popular ingredients of asparagus, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Asparagus is a springtime delicacy, and the combination with basil and Parmesan offers a vibrant and indulgent flavor profile.
Components:
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Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star of this dish. Look for bright green, firm spears with tightly closed tips. You’ll typically need a bunch of asparagus.
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Basil-Parmesan Butter: This delicious buttery sauce is made from a blend of:
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves are a key component, giving the dish its distinct herbaceous flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty element to the butter.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s how you can prepare this dish:
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Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus and trim the tough ends. You can snap off the woody parts at the bottom.
- Optionally, you can blanch the asparagus by briefly boiling it in salted water and then immediately plunging it into ice water to retain its vibrant green color. This step is optional and depends on your preference.
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Make Basil-Parmesan Butter:
- In a food processor or blender, combine fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse the mixture until the basil is finely chopped and the cheese is well incorporated.
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Cook the Asparagus:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
- Sauté the asparagus until it’s tender and slightly charred, usually for about 5-7 minutes.
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Serve:
- Arrange the cooked asparagus on a serving plate.
- Spoon the basil-Parmesan butter over the asparagus while it’s still hot, allowing it to melt and coat the spears.
Total Time:
The preparation and cooking time for Asparagus With Basil-Parmesan Butter typically take around 15-20 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare.
Enjoy this dish as a side or even as a light main course. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of spring and indulge in the delightful combination of asparagus, basil, and Parmesan cheese. 😋🍽️🌿🧀
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus With Basil-Parmesan Butter:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: About 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the amount of butter used.
- Total Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams, primarily from the butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Saturated Fat: Around 5-7 grams, mainly from the butter and cheese.
- Cholesterol: Varies but generally less than 30 mg per serving.
- Sodium: Approximately 150-250 mg per serving, mostly from the Parmesan cheese and any added salt.
- Carbohydrates: Around 5-10 grams, primarily from the asparagus.
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3-5 grams, mainly from asparagus.
- Protein: About 5-7 grams, with most coming from the cheese and asparagus.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. It also provides potassium and various antioxidants.
Health Information:
- Asparagus is low in calories and provides essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- The dish is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
- Asparagus is also high in folate, a B vitamin that supports cell division and may help prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.
- Parmesan cheese provides protein and calcium, which is essential for bone health.
- However, the dish is relatively high in saturated fat and sodium due to the butter and cheese, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about these nutrients.
To make this dish a bit healthier, you can consider using less butter and cheese or opting for lower-fat alternatives while still enjoying the fantastic flavor of asparagus with basil-Parmesan butter. Remember that these nutrition facts can vary based on the specific quantities and brands of ingredients you use.
