This Roasted Asparagus with Lemony Breadcrumbs is the perfect side dish for Spring! The asparagus is roasted yet crisp and topped with lemony crunchy breadcrumbs. Perfect served with Engagement Roast Chicken, Sweet and Smky Grilled Salmon, or that Easter Ham!
Eating Seasonally
I like to eat fruits and vegetables when they’re “in season”, meaning they’re readily available, and take fewer resources to get in to my kitchen. Spring brings fresh flavors and textures, a welcome respite after the long winter months.
What’s In Season?
You might be wondering, “Well, what’s in season?”
Good question. Seasonal food is that which is consumed or purchased shortly after harvest. That said, when growing conditions are ripe and ready, those items that are grown and harvested during that time are “in season”.
Sweet Springtime
Nothing can quite beat the flavor of a fresh tender leaf lettuce salad, or the spicy bite of a crunchy radish. These flavors seem to awaken our tastebuds, bringing in newness that we didn’t even know we were craving.
Currently, the following items are in season for the month of April:
I love incorporating all of these tasty in season ingredients in to as many dishes I prepare this time of year:
- Creamy soup with a pungent kick from fresh leeks
- Little pops of green in my favorite Farro Salad, thanks to sweet English Peas
- Steamed artichokes served with a homemade creamy aioli
- Paper thin radishes tucked in to sandwiches and salads alike
And of course….asparagus in practically anything.
Ways to Enjoy Asparagus
Whether you steam, roast, puree, or honestly, eat it raw, this beautiful season stunner is a favorite in my springtime kitchen.
A few favorite ways I love to enjoy it:
- Steamed and pureed with garlic, lemon, salt, pepper, and stock for a luxuriously delicious soup (warm or chilled!)
- Blanched and tossed in to a grain or lettuce salad
- Roasted and drizzled with balsamic butter (want the recipe?!)
- In this recipe right here: Roasted Asparagus with Lemony Breadcrumbs
This recipe couldn’t be easier! The asparagus is simply roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I keep the temperature high and the time relatively low to ensure the asparagus is left with a slight crunch. No witty asparagus here, please!
While the asparagus is roasting, prep the lemony toasty breadcrumbs! First, saute some garlic.
Then you’ll add the breadcrumbs, tossing them with the garlicky olive oil. After allowing them to slightly brown, you’ll toss in some fresh lemon zest.
Is your mouth watering yet?
This Roasted Asparagus with Lemony Breadcrumbs is served beautifully alongside my Engagement Roast Chicken or Sweet and Smoky Grilled Salmon, and would be a welcome addition on any Easter table!
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Roasted Asparagus with Lemony Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcumbs
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Add washed and trimmed asparagus to baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oive oil, tossing asparagus to coat evenly. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through cooking.
- Meanwhile, prepare lemony breadcrumbs. Drizzle remaining tablespoon of olive oil to a large saute pan set over medium heat. Add minced garlic, allowing to saute until fragrant, abour 30 seconds.
- Add breadcrumbs, tossing to combine in oil and garlic. Stir sporadically for another 4 minutes, until breadcrumbs begin to brown. Remove from heat, add lemon zest.
- Once asparagus is finished cooking, top with lemony breadcrumbs. Enjoy!