Looking for a tasty new way to cook asparagus? For years, the only way I cooked my asparagus was to steam it. It wasn’t until I ventured out of my rut and tried roasting it that I learned roasting gives asparagus a firmer texture and more complex flavor than steaming, and it’s just as easy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears, washed and trimmed
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Toss the asparagus spears with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread evenly into a single layer on a flat baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 11 minutes, or until fork tender.
4. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Variation: If you prefer your Parmesan slightly browned, sprinkle it on top of the spears during the last 3 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 60 | Carbohydrate 3 g (Sugars 2g) | Total Fat 4.5 g (Sat Fat 1.5 g) | Protein 4g | Fiber 1g | Cholesterol 5mg | Sodium 260mg | Food Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat | Weight Watcher Plus Point Comparison 1 Smart Point(free): 1
