Grilled asparagus

Asparagus has been highly prized in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for its flavor, texture, and medicinal properties. The Romans even had a phrase, "velocius quam asparagi coquantur," meaning "faster than cooking asparagus," indicating its quick cooking time.

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for grilled asparagus:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish, such as parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus:

   • Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim the tough ends. An easy way to do this is to hold each end of an asparagus spear and bend it gently until it snaps; the spear will naturally break at the point where the tough part ends and the tender part begins.

2. Season the Asparagus:

   • Place the asparagus in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and add minced garlic if using.
   • Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
   • Toss the asparagus to coat evenly.

3. Preheat the Grill:

   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C).

4. Grill the Asparagus:

   • Place the asparagus spears directly on the grill grates perpendicular to the grates so they don’t fall through, or use a grill basket.
   • Grill the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the spears.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove the asparagus from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
   • If desired, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.

Tips

• Grilling Basket: If you’re worried about the asparagus falling through the grill grates, you can use a grilling basket or skewers.
• Oven Alternative: If you don't have a grill, you can achieve a similar result by roasting the asparagus in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy your grilled asparagus as a healthy and flavorful side dish, perfect for pairing with grilled salmon or any other main course!