Asparagus with Red Pepper Puree Recipe 🌶️🌱
Overview:
- Name: Asparagus with Red Pepper Puree
- Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Canadian, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Steam, Stove Top, Stir Fry, Small Appliance
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 60.9 per serving
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 46 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
Description:
This vibrant dish of Asparagus with Red Pepper Puree is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you serve it as a colorful first course or as a stunning side dish, its beautiful presentation will surely impress your guests. Inspired by the culinary wisdom of Anne Lindsay’s Smart Cooking, this recipe brings together the freshness of asparagus with the bold flavors of roasted red peppers. It’s a perfect blend of health and taste, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 bunches of fresh asparagus
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 18 minutes. | 18 minutes |
| 2 | Turn the peppers and roast them on the other side for an additional 18 minutes, or until they are blistered and soft but not charred. | 18 minutes |
| 3 | Remove the peppers from the oven and immediately transfer them to a heavy paper or plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and let the peppers steam for 10 to 15 minutes. | 10-15 minutes |
| 4 | After steaming, peel the skin from the peppers using your fingers and a small knife. The skin should come off easily. Remove the seeds and cut the peppers into strips. | – |
| 5 | In a frypan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the roasted peppers and dried thyme. Sauté for about 2 minutes, then season with freshly ground pepper to taste. | 2 minutes |
| 6 | Transfer the sautéed peppers to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. | – |
| 7 | The puree can be prepared in advance, covered, and refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat gently over low heat before continuing with the recipe. | – |
| 8 | While the peppers are roasting, prepare the asparagus by washing them and breaking off the tough ends. Tie them into bundles of 3 or 4 with strands of spaghettini. | – |
| 9 | Carefully place the asparagus bundles in a steamer or large pot of boiling water. Steam for 5 to 8 minutes until tender. | 5-8 minutes |
| 10 | Drain the cooked asparagus bundles carefully and thoroughly. | – |
| 11 | To serve, spoon the heated red pepper puree onto individual plates. Arrange the hot asparagus bundles on top and drizzle a little more puree over them. | – |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 60.9
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 22.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.6g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugar: 4.3g
- Protein: 4.2g
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a clove of minced garlic to the red pepper puree before blending.
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the red pepper puree.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can boil the asparagus instead. Just be sure not to overcook them to maintain their crisp texture.
Presentation:
Arrange the asparagus bundles on a serving platter, drizzle with the vibrant red pepper puree, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for a visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests.
Enjoy this delightful dish of Asparagus with Red Pepper Puree as a nutritious and flavorful addition to your meal!
