Certainly! Let’s delve into the delightful recipe for Asparagus Amandine, a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe emphasizes simplicity and freshness, bringing out the natural flavors of asparagus complemented by crunchy almonds and a hint of buttery richness.
Asparagus Amandine Recipe
Overview:
- Name: Asparagus Amandine
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Description: A quick and easy recipe for sautéed asparagus topped with toasted almonds.
- Recipe Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: < 15 Mins, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | Fresh asparagus |
| 1 | Butter |
| 2 | Margarine |
| 1/4 | Salt |
| Almonds (for toasting) |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 126.3
- Total Fat: 10.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15.3mg
- Sodium: 191.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugars: 2.6g
- Protein: 4.5g
Instructions:
-
Toast Almonds:
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until golden, shaking the skillet occasionally to ensure even toasting.
- Remove the toasted almonds to a small plate and set aside.
-
-
Prepare Asparagus:
- Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears: Hold the base of one asparagus stalk firmly and bend the stalk gently until it snaps. Use this snapped piece as a guide to cut the remaining stalks.
- If the asparagus spears are very thick, you may consider using a vegetable peeler to trim the scales.
-
Cook Asparagus:
- In the same skillet used for toasting almonds, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the skillet. Cook the asparagus uncovered until they are crisp-tender, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the asparagus with salt to taste.
- Garnish generously with the toasted almonds.
Tips:
- Freshness Matters: Choose firm, fresh asparagus spears with tightly closed tips for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.
- Variations: For a richer flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Asparagus Amandine pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or alongside a simple pasta dish.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a light main course for a quick and nutritious meal.
Conclusion:
Asparagus Amandine is a classic dish that celebrates the essence of fresh asparagus in a simple yet elegant preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a wholesome vegetable dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy the crisp-tender asparagus with its nutty almond topping, enhanced by the rich flavor of butter—a combination that never fails to delight the taste buds.
