Dazzling daffodils, teams of tulips, and glimpses of glorious sunshine seem to signal that spring has arrived. It’s a time when the first delicate seeds of fruits and vegetables can be planted in rich, fertile soil. When delightful dishes like roasted asparagus with garlic are starting to be served, you can be sure that spring is in full swing.
Prepare to savor every earthy and slightly salty bite of this tall and tender vegetable. Its distinct Italian flavor and creamy tahini topping make it the perfect side to any pasta dish or savory casserole, such as our Pesto Pasta or Vegan Lasagna. In other words, a wonderfully elegant accompaniment to any meal!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet With Foil (or Silicone Mat)
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Tongs (for removing asparagus from the baking sheet)
The De-Aging of Asparagus
A member of the Lily family, asparagus is thought to be around 2,000 years old, having originated from the Mediterranean. This leggy veggie is made of the most balanced nutrients and can be eaten both raw or cooked. Though eating our roasted asparagus with garlic might not turn back the clock completely, its high nutrient content is considerable!
- Low in calories – only 90 calories per half cup
- High in insoluble fiber (with also has traces of soluble fiber) – almost 4 grams per cup
- Nutrient dense – especially with vitamins C, A, K, folate, and potassium
- Full of antioxidants – including vitamin E, glutathione, quercetin, flavonoids, and polyphenols
Foods That Fight Disease
Asparagus is not the only element in this recipe that deserves attention. Above all, we want to add as many vitamins and minerals to our meals as we can. These additional ingredients play a huge role in boosting the health benefits of this dish:
- Garlic – excellent source of B6, manganese, selenium, and vitamin C
- Tomatoes – high in lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K
- Tahini – full of protein, fiber, copper, calcium, and vitamins B1 and B2
How to Serve Up Your Asparagus
The vertical aspect of asparagus shouldn’t matter much when it comes to serving with a meal, but I find styling with it can be super fun. Many foods, when dished up, can appear downright dowdy, especially if they all settle into an unsatisfying, semi-spherical shape.
Here are some unique ways to wow your guests with artistically arranged asparagus spears:
- The Perfect Plate – Find a plate that with a pencil box shape to serve up your slender stalks. When you lay them next to each other, they have an organized uniformity that is really lovely.
- Contrasting Colors – Bring out the brilliant green of this spring vegetable with a dash of red sprinkled here and there. Crushed red pepper flakes, pickled veggies (like red peppers), rounds of red onion, or sliced strawberries with balsamic vinegar would all work well. And taste delicious!
- X Marks The Spot – Create a distinct design with your roasted asparagus with garlic spears. Make a mound out of the main dish and arrange the asparagus in an X shape on top or lay them along the sides like you would do when creating a fire. It gives the meal a fancy appearance with a flattering shape. Suggested dishes for this design include: Healthy Mac & Cheese, Noodle Kugel, and Vegan One-Pot Pasta.
- A Desire for Drizzle – Lastly, add a pinch of pizazz to your side dish with a creamy or super glossy sauce. From a tart vinegar or zesty lemon juice to a fragrant olive oil or rich vegan butter, each gives a touch of flavor and also that little something extra that makes a dish special.
Storing Your Roasted Asparagus With Garlic
Any leftover asparagus can be placed in an airtight container and be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. If this veggie won’t be gobbled up immediately, it can be stored in a freezer-safe bag for about 10 months. Any brown spots on your asparagus means that it’s gone bad and should be composted or thrown away.
You can easily reheat these gorgeous green stalks either in the microwave for a minute or two, for five minutes in a preheated oven or skillet. If reheating from frozen, allow your spears to come to room temperature on the counter or let rest in the refrigerator overnight.