Make-Ahead Asparagus
by Nov 9th, 2010 // Dinner
Make-Ahead Asparagus
The other day when we were at a restaurant my kid’s seat was facing a huge chalkboard listing of the daily specials. He looked at it and then looked at me excitedly while screaming “my name is on that sign!” I was preparing to let him down gently (he’s just learning to read) when I realized right there on the sign were the words “Asparagus Soup.” Asapara-GUS. As in, GUS. Which is indeed my kid’s name.
This morning I told him I had a surprise food in the fridge. I handed him an asparagus bunch and he lit right up. It’s his signature veggie!
I put him to work snapping off the tough stems. What could be better for a boy than to be permitted to break things? Made my job a heck of a lot easier too.
What I love most about this recipe is that I actually prefer it when it’s been refrigerated and then spritzed with lemon right before serving. It’s the perfect make-ahead veggie for turkey day! Now for the recipe…
Make-Ahead Asparagus Recipe
Thanksgiving Planning: Make 1 to 2 days ahead
Prep Time: 10 mins Cooking Time: 10 to 25 mins
Ingredients:
2 bunches of asparagus
2 to 3 cloves garlic (sliced thin)
olive oil for drizzling
salt & fresh ground pepper
juice of 1 lemon
shaved Parmesan (optional)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash and pat dry the asparagus. Snap off the tough parts of the asparagus and spread on a single layer on a jelly roll pan or a cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the asparagus and roll around to just coat. The amount of olive oil will depend on how thick your asparagus is. Don’t drown it. Sprinkle the garlic on top and then add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes and check for doneness. Thinner asparagus will already be brown and tender. Thicker asparagus may need anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes more. Continue to check every 5 minutes until the asparagus is browning and tender but not soft. Let cool and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, transfer to a platter and spritz with fresh lemon juice. Add a dusting of shaved Parmesan if desired and serve cold or at room temperature.
I love asparagus and being able to make any of the Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time is a treat! Great post!
I've never had asparagus with lemon before. I want to try it!
It sounds like a great spring time side too
mmm my mom makes something like this, but because we keep Kosher, she never puts parmesan on it! It looks yummy though!
That is fantastic. I would never think of serving them cold or at room temperature. I like that idea. More refreshing as a side, especially with the lemon. Yum!
if i have another kid i'm totally naming her kale.
The shaved Parmesan is a great idea! We've been doing olive oil and Feta for far too long.
That is so cool! You have a little reader!
Great alternative to green bean casserole!!
Making it tonight!
I don't usually like tattoos but the temporary on Gus is adorable. Bet it helps with snapping asparaGUS.
My friend serves a variety of well seasoned veggies at room temp as a first course many evenings. It is a great way to start company dinner as people get to pass and know each other. This will be a perfect addition.
wow, GUS, you are totally amazing….how observant for you to
point out your name in asparaGUS. this veggie has always been
a favorite of mine but now i'll always associate it with you. thanks
for the eye opener!
Umm, lemon and Parmesan! And, it can be served hot or cold. What a versatile dish!
Asparagus with lemon is my favorite way to make it!
This is just what I needed, as I'll be traveling to family and want to bring something easy that won't take up cooking space in the kitchen. Thanks!
OK, this is a winner also. NOTE: Never buy the asparagus cuts in the bag. YUCK, they put all those hard stems you had your son to break off in there, LOL.
Our boys love asparagus! Thanks for the tips.
This is basically how I usually make asparagus, but I like to use black pepper & sesame seeds. Totally the best veggie ever!
The garlic is a new twist for me and my favorite veggie asparagus. Will try asap!
I love asparagus! I'll bet adding the cheese may get my little guy to like it too!
Yum! This sounds great for a regular weekday veggie — not just for Turkey Day! I'm always looking for more cook-ahead dinner options so that the dreaded crazy dinner hour is a little less hectic. Thanks for the great idea!
I'm always looking for new ways to make asparagus!! Love it and this looks yummy!!
Thanks!
I always think of asparagus as being an Easter veggie. Interesting twist, serving it for Thanksgiving.
Sounds easy. All of your recipes are explained so well, and use easy to find ingredients. I visit your site every day and have made many of your dishes. As a beginning cook I really appreciate the clear instructions.
I love the idea of having asparaGUS! at Thanksgiving! Never thought about it before!
nice way of adding a veggie to thanksgiving that kiddos can love.
asparaGUS ~ my favorite! (ps: love the tattoo! lol!)
Yum! I love asparaGUS too!
i loooove do-aheads! and also cold asparagus.
This looks yummy!
My hubby and I will love this!
[...] Sample recipe: Make-Ahead Asparagus [...]
Great tip!!
I've always been one to nibble on cold leftover aparagus, but never thought to serve it that way on purpose. We'll definetly try this one.
I have made aspargus similar to this and I love it! However, I have never tried it after it cools off! Sounds good!
i have a bundle of asparagus just waiting for me to roast as you did. yummmms.
Asparagus is one of our favorites, and with it plentiful at our local Farmers Market I was thinking of having it for Thanksgiving, but hadn't thought about the make ahead idea. Excellent! I usually grill mine with similar seasoning.
The photos of your son made me smile! My "little" one is now 6 inches taller than I am and not interested in making anything but burritos lately, but your photos remind me of years past. Thank you!
Simple and delish. I made this for my family and they really enjoyed it.
Anything to make day of prep easier!
This sounds delicious. I don't typically associate asparagus with Thanksgiving dinner, but I might have to start after trying this recipe.
[...] feel better – fresh and healthy and really quick! Tonight we are serving up Pan Seared Salmon, Make-Ahead Asparagus, and Quick Quinoa and Corn Saute (no [...]