Looking for a healthy and appetizing side dish that complements any meal? Look no further because we have the ultimate recipe for purple asparagus that will blow your taste buds away!
Embrace the Purple
This recipe is not only simple and delicious but also highlights the stunning beauty of purple asparagus. In just 15 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering dish that requires only one sheet pan. It doesn’t get any better than that!
As an environmental scientist, I strive to promote sustainable ingredients. Purple asparagus, when sourced locally and in season, is considered a sustainable crop. Its lower water footprint and minimal pesticide residue make it an excellent choice for conscious consumers.
If you’re curious about when asparagus is in season in your area, you can refer to the Seasonal Food Guide.
Green tip: Opting for organic purple asparagus adds another layer of environmental consciousness. Organic farms prioritize biodiversity, which leads to rich soil, avoiding the use of pesticides and fertilizers and preventing toxic runoff.
Roasted Purple Asparagus Tips and Tricks
How to Store Purple Asparagus
To keep your asparagus fresh for around a week, store it correctly. Place the asparagus in a jar with the tips facing up and fill it with about 2 inches of water. This technique works for green and white asparagus too!
Prepping Purple Asparagus
Purple asparagus, like its green and white counterparts, tends to have rough or “woody” ends. It’s best to remove these ends before roasting. Don’t discard them! Save them in the freezer along with other veggie scraps to make your own vegetable broth.
Green tip: Did you know that nearly 50% of food waste occurs in our homes? So let’s do our part to reduce waste whenever possible!
The easiest way to remove the woody ends is to hold the asparagus in two hands and snap it. It will naturally break where the ends start to get tough.
Sometimes Simple Is Best
Purple asparagus is incredibly delicious on its own, so I kept this recipe super simple. You only need a few key ingredients to let its natural flavor shine:
- Purple asparagus: Consider going for the organic option to make an environmentally conscious choice.
- Olive oil: Coat the asparagus before roasting for the best texture.
- Salt & pepper: Enhance the asparagus’ natural flavor.
- Other flavor enhancers (optional): Parmesan or any other cheese, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and/or butter.
Don’t Be Scared To Get Your Hands Dirty
To achieve perfectly roasted purple asparagus, ensure they have an even coat of olive oil. Spread your prepared asparagus out on a baking sheet and pour the olive oil on top. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty!
Use clean hands to toss the asparagus and olive oil, making sure each piece is completely coated.
Other Topping Suggestions
While keeping it simple with just salt, pepper, and olive oil is fantastic, you can also experiment with other toppings to elevate your purple asparagus. For instance, I added some shaved Parmesan to mine for extra texture and salinity.
Feel free to try minced garlic, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, butter, or even hot sauce or truffle oil for a more adventurous twist. This simple recipe allows you to customize the flavor to make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Asparagus
Why You Should Make This Purple Asparagus Recipe
- Simplicity: With minimal ingredients, this recipe lets the purple asparagus take the spotlight.
- Ease: It takes less than 30 minutes and only requires a sheet pan.
- Tenderness: Purple asparagus is naturally tender, and just eight minutes in the oven will make it even more delightful.
If you’re enjoying this Purple Asparagus Recipe and want more delicious veggie options, be sure to check out the Quick Garlic Lemon Asparagus and the Sweet & Salty Brussels Sprouts recipes.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on some purple asparagus and start roasting! Your taste buds will thank you.
