Roasting fresh asparagus makes it taste so much better than steaming or blanching it. It's quick and simple to make. Just pop it in the oven for a few minutes and then finish it with lemon juice and/or cheese, if you wish.
1 lb. fresh asparagus
1 1/2 T. extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 T. lemon juice and lemon wedges, optional
2 T. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, optional
Preheat oven to 430 degrees F.
Snap off and discard the woody ends of the asparagus.
Place the asparagus in a pile on a rimmed baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on salt, pepper and minced garlic; toss; spread them out out on the pan.
Roast 7 minutes, or until the ends have a bit of color and the asparagus is just cooked through and a bit tender. It takes 10 – 12 minutes for very thick ones. Don’t over cook.
Remove from oven.
Toss with lemon juice, if desired. Place on a serving platter. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
4 servings.