Looking for a healthy, easy, vegan and quick recipe? Discover how to make delicious oven-roasted wild asparagus, a perfect and healthy springtime dish you’ll love.
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I absolutely love this time of year when seasonal vegetables like wild asparagus are harvested. These veggies are a true celebration of essential spring flavors.
Asparagus has ancient origins, enjoyed by the ancient Egyptians over 2000 years ago. With its tall, slender stems and delicate flavor, asparagus has always been associated with spring’s arrival. In Italy, you can find asparagus from March to mid-June.
Asparagus Benefits
Asparagus is low in fat and packed with potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. It’s a great choice for low-calorie diets, with only 29 calories per 100 grams. Plus, it has purifying, diuretic, and anti-anemic properties. Not everyone knows this, but it also contains tryptophan, the hormone responsible for boosting your mood.
There are many ways to enjoy asparagus in cooking, but I prefer simple methods that preserve its sweet flavor. Today, I found wild asparagus (asparagines) at my trusted market for a great price. Wild asparagus is thinner and has a more intense, decisive flavor compared to regular asparagus.
I’m excited to share my recipe for oven-roasted wild asparagus, which I love to dip in a creamy avocado sauce. Roasting enhances the strong flavor and keeps the nutrients intact. Another good method (though less crunchy) is steaming.
Fun Facts: The Curios world of Asparagus
Did you know that asparagus can grow up to 7 inches in a single day? Also, it was so highly regarded in ancient times that the Romans had a saying, “Velocius quam asparagi coquantur,” meaning “faster than cooking asparagus.” And here’s a quirky fact: asparagus can make your urine smell funny due to a compound called asparagusic acid, which is unique to this veggie!
Moreover, it’s also true that asparagus can make your pee smell funny. After eating asparagus, some people experience a unique odor in their urine. This phenomenon has puzzled scientists for years, but the exact reason behind it remains a mystery.
Despite its quirky effect on urine, asparagus has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was prized for its delicate flavor and purported medicinal properties. Even today, asparagus continues to be celebrated for its taste and nutritional benefits.
So, next time you indulge in some delicious oven-roasted wild asparagus, remember that you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat—you’re also diving into a world of fascinating culinary quirks!
Ready to try this delicious recipe? Let’s dive into making the best oven-roasted wild asparagus you’ve ever had!
Creamy Avocado and Lime Sauce
I find that a creamy avocado and lime sauce is the perfect fresh and tangy accompaniment to oven-roasted wild asparagus.
Its smooth texture and zesty flavor balance the earthiness of the asparagus beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to make it just the way you like. I
t’s a delightful addition that elevates this healthy and quick dish to the next level!
Oven-Roasted Asparagines with Avocado Cream Sauce
Discover how to make delicious oven-roasted wild asparagus, a perfect and healthy springtime dish you'll love.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of wild asparagus (Asparagines)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of paprika
- 1/2 lime
For the Creamy Avocado and Lime Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 lime
- Pinch of salt
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- Splash of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Trim the tough ends (usually 3/4 cm) of the wild asparagus. Don't discard them; they can be used to make a vegetable broth or flavor pasta water.
- Gently soak the asparagus in cold water to clean them, being careful not to handle them too much as they are delicate. Optionally, you can use baking soda for a deeper clean.
- Line an oven-proof casserole with parchment paper. In the casserole, combine olive oil, water, salt, pepper, and paprika, mixing well.
- Drain the asparagus and place them in the casserole, stirring gently to coat them in the seasoning. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the tips.
- Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly crispy on the surface.
- While the asparagus are roasting, prepare the creamy avocado and lime sauce. Mash the avocado with a fork and squeeze in the juice of the remaining lime half. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Stir in the finely chopped shallot and a splash of nutmeg until you have a thick, smooth cream.
- Once the asparagus are cooked, serve them warm, drizzling the creamy avocado and lime sauce over the tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Freshness and crunchiness for the palate, lots of flavor, and very few calories.
If you loved this oven-roasted wild asparagus recipe, be sure to try it alongside some of our other delicious dishes on the site that pair perfectly with asparagus like
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