Asparagus With Lemon and Tarragon

🌱🍋🌿 Asparagus With Lemon and Tarragon 🌿🍋🌱

What is it?
Asparagus with Lemon and Tarragon is a delightful dish that combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the bright, zesty tang of lemon and the aromatic touch of tarragon. This dish is a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes, making it a favorite among those who appreciate fresh, seasonal ingredients.

History:
Asparagus has a long culinary history dating back to ancient times, prized for its unique flavor and health benefits. Lemon and tarragon are more recent additions to the dish, but they complement asparagus perfectly. The combination of these ingredients likely emerged from the desire to enhance the asparagus experience with complementary flavors.

Components:

• Fresh asparagus spears
• Zest and juice of a lemon
• Fresh tarragon leaves (or dried tarragon if fresh is unavailable)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preparation: Start by washing and trimming the asparagus. You can snap off the woody ends or use a knife to cut them. If you prefer, you can peel the lower part of the asparagus for a more refined texture.

2. Lemon Zest: Grate the lemon to obtain its zest, which will add a fragrant and citrusy kick to the dish.

3. Tarragon: If you’re using fresh tarragon, chop the leaves finely. If you’re using dried tarragon, you can use it as is.

4. Marinating: In a mixing bowl, combine the asparagus, lemon zest, tarragon, and a drizzle of olive oil. Make sure the ingredients are evenly coated, and let them marinate for a few minutes.

5. Cooking: Heat a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit more olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated asparagus. Cook them, turning occasionally until they become tender and slightly charred, typically around 5-8 minutes.

6. Lemon Juice: Squeeze the lemon juice over the asparagus while they’re cooking. This will infuse them with a refreshing citrus flavor.

7. Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve: Once the asparagus are tender and have a nice caramelized color, remove them from the heat.

Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Asparagus with Lemon and Tarragon can typically be done in about 20-25 minutes, making it a quick and delicious side dish for your meals.

🍽️ Serve your Asparagus with Lemon and Tarragon alongside your favorite main course. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the season while adding a touch of elegance to your plate. Enjoy! 😊🍴👨‍🍳

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Asparagus with Lemon and Tarragon:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a serving of 100g of cooked asparagus):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 2.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.7g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugars: 1.8g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Vitamin A: 756 IU (15% of the Daily Value – DV)
• Vitamin C: 7.7mg (13% of the DV)
• Vitamin K: 41.6mcg (52% of the DV)
• Folate: 52mcg (13% of the DV)
• Potassium: 202mg (6% of the DV)

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake.

2. Rich in Fiber: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full, potentially assisting with weight management.

3. Packed with Nutrients: Asparagus is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Vitamin K, in particular, plays a crucial role in bone health and blood clotting.

4. Antioxidant Properties: Asparagus contains various antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and support overall health.

5. Low in Fat: This dish is low in fat, making it a heart-healthy option.

6. Lemon Benefits: The lemon in this dish adds a refreshing burst of vitamin C, which is essential for your immune system and skin health.

7. Tarragon Aroma: Tarragon not only imparts a wonderful aroma to the dish but also contains antioxidants and can have mild anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Minimized Cooking Time: Quick cooking methods, like sautéing or grilling, can help retain the nutritional value of asparagus.

Remember that the actual nutrition content can vary based on factors like serving size, the amount of oil used, and specific ingredient brands. Nonetheless, Asparagus with Lemon and Tarragon is a healthy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. 🌿🍋🌱