๐ฝ๏ธ Asparagus With Lemon-Caper Dipping Sauce ๐
What is it?
Asparagus with Lemon-Caper Dipping Sauce is a delightful and healthy side dish that features tender asparagus spears served with a tangy and zesty lemon-caper sauce. It’s a perfect combination of crisp, earthy asparagus and the bright, flavorful sauce.
History:
The dish doesn’t have a long historical background, as it’s more of a modern recipe that has gained popularity due to its simplicity and great taste. Asparagus has been enjoyed as a delicacy for centuries, and the addition of lemon-caper sauce enhances its flavor.
Components:
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon-Caper Sauce:
- Lemon juice and zest
- Capers
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Steps to Prepare:
-
Prep Asparagus:
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears.
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
-
Roast Asparagus:
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Place the asparagus on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
-
Make Lemon-Caper Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly whisk in olive oil until the sauce emulsifies.
-
Serve:
- Arrange the roasted asparagus on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over the asparagus or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
-
Enjoy!
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Roasting Asparagus: 12-15 minutes
- Making Lemon-Caper Sauce: 5 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 27-30 minutes
It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for a healthy appetizer or a side for your main course. ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
๐ฅฆ Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asparagus With Lemon-Caper Dipping Sauce ๐
This delightful dish not only offers a burst of flavor but also several health benefits:
Asparagus:
- Low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management.
- A good source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, promoting healthy skin and immune function.
- Contains folate, essential for cell division and growth, especially during pregnancy.
Lemon-Caper Sauce:
- Low in saturated fat, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lemon juice provides vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
- Capers are low in calories and a source of antioxidants, which may help protect against certain diseases.
Overall Health Benefits:
- Asparagus is high in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in the body.
- The lemon-caper sauce, with its use of olive oil, provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- This dish is a good source of essential nutrients while being relatively low in calories.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 60-80 kcal (mainly from the asparagus and olive oil)
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 4-5g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Fat: 5-7g (mainly from olive oil)
- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin A, C, K, and folate
Remember that the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but this dish is generally a healthy choice as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy your asparagus with lemon-caper dipping sauce! ๐ฅฆ๐๐
