Asparagus, ah, the unsung hero of the vegetable world! It’s that time of year again when asparagus starts appearing in all its green glory at the farmer’s market.
I love how it brings a touch of spring to my plate, even if the weather outside is anything but. This quick and easy Asparagus Almondine recipe is not just a dish—it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor.
If you’re like me and can’t resist the crunch of almonds paired with tender asparagus, then grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced almonds to the pan and cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn lightly golden. Remove the almonds with a slotted spoon, leaving the butter in the pan.
- Add the finely chopped shallot to the remaining butter in the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring now and then. Introduce the asparagus, minced garlic, and lemon zest to the pan and mix well. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is cooked to your liking.
- Pour in the lemon juice and add half of the toasted almonds, then toss everything together to combine. Season the dish with salt and freshly-ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Plate the asparagus almondine while warm, garnishing it with the remaining almonds and an additional sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 large shallot, peeled and very finely chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and sliced on a bias into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
FAQ
- What is Asparagus Almondine?
- Asparagus Almondine is a classic French-inspired dish where asparagus is sautéed with butter and almonds, along with shallots, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper. It is a quick and versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses.
- Can this recipe be made vegan?
- Yes, you can make Asparagus Almondine vegan by replacing the traditional butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
- What are some variations to this recipe?
- You can customize the dish by adding fresh herbs like basil or dill, a hint of sweetness with honey, or a spicy kick with red pepper flakes. Additionally, you can experiment with different nuts or seeds such as pine nuts or pecans.
- How do I choose the best asparagus for this dish?
- Look for asparagus spears that are firm, vibrant green, and have tightly closed tips. You can slice them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
- Can I prepare the asparagus differently for this recipe?
- While the recipe calls for sautéing the asparagus, you can also blanch it beforehand for a more traditional preparation. However, this step can be skipped to keep the process simple and quick.
Tips
- Ensure the asparagus is fresh by selecting spears that are firm and bright green, with tightly closed tips, for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast the almonds carefully, stirring them frequently to avoid burning, as they can easily go from golden to burnt if left unattended.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as basil or dill, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If making a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil without compromising on the richness of the dish.
Equipment
- Large Sauté Pan – Essential for toasting almonds and sautéing asparagus.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for transferring almonds from the pan.
- Zester – Needed for zesting the lemon.
- Garlic Press – If you don’t have one, useful for mincing garlic.
