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Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

This dish features fresh asparagus spears roasted until tender and blistered, with garlic that caramelizes in the high heat, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese that melts into the stalks. The result is a vibrant, smoky, and cheesy side with a crisp exterior and a tender interior, perfect as a quick snack or side dish. The simple ingredients and straightforward roasting method highlight the vegetable's natural brightness and grassy flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus trimmed
  • 3-4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for roasting
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • to taste coarse sea salt for seasoning
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning
  • optional zest lemon zest for brightness

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grater or microplane
  • Garlic press or knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Trim the woody ends from the asparagus, about 1-2 inches from the bottom, and spread the spears evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle the asparagus generously with olive oil and toss gently to coat all sides evenly, ensuring the spears are in a single layer.
  4. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the asparagus to season generously.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, until the asparagus turn a vibrant green and start to blister at the tips.
  6. While the asparagus roasts, prepare the garlic by smashing or finely chopping the cloves, and grate the parmesan cheese using a microplane or grater.
  7. Once roasted, remove the asparagus from the oven and immediately scatter the smashed garlic over the hot spears, allowing the aroma to infuse and the garlic to soften.
  8. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan evenly over the asparagus, letting it melt slightly into the hot stalks.
  9. If desired, add a bit of lemon zest over the top for a bright, zesty finish.
  10. Give the asparagus a quick gentle toss or arrange them nicely on a plate, then serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast or toasted pine nuts. Adding herbs like thyme or basil after roasting can enhance freshness. Keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent burning—remove early if it starts to darken.