– **Title**: Parmesan Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes & Balsamic
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, arrange the trimmed asparagus and halved cherry tomatoes in a single layer.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and tomatoes. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to evenly coat.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and tomatoes.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Choose fresh, bright green asparagus. Look for firm stalks and closed tips. If asparagus isn’t available, broccoli or green beans can be a great substitute!
Cherry Tomatoes: These small tomatoes add sweetness and color. If you can’t find them, try grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes as alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds tanginess. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Basil: Adds a lovely aroma. If fresh basil isn’t on hand, try dried basil for a different but still tasty experience. Just use less since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do You Roast Asparagus to Perfection?
Roasting asparagus is simple but needs a bit of attention for best results. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot oven (400°F or 200°C) for even cooking.
- Be sure to trim the tough ends of the asparagus before cooking. A good tip is to bend the stalk; it naturally snaps at the right point.
- Arrange asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Crowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding other ingredients for better flavor.
- Keep an eye on the roasting time. You want tender asparagus with a bit of crispness, usually between 15-20 minutes.
How to Make Parmesan Roasted Asparagus with Tomatoes & Balsamic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 bunch of asparagus (about 1 pound)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to roast in the oven. In total, you can have this healthy and tasty meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by turning your oven up to 400°F (200°C). This helps to get it nice and hot for roasting the asparagus and tomatoes.
2. Prepare the Asparagus:
Next, wash the asparagus under cool water and trim off the tough ends. You want those tender stalks for roasting! Once trimmed, lay the asparagus out in a single layer on a baking sheet; this will help them cook evenly.
3. Toss the Tomatoes:
In a bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes with the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well coated in the delicious mixture. This step adds lots of flavor!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour the tomato mixture over the laid-out asparagus on the baking sheet, spreading it evenly so that every piece of asparagus gets some love from the tomatoes.
5. Add Parmesan:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the asparagus and tomato mixture. This will give your dish a lovely cheesy crust as it roasts!
6. Roast and Enjoy:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the asparagus to be tender and the tomatoes to look nicely roasted. Once done, take them out of the oven, and let the delicious aroma waft through your kitchen!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over your roasted asparagus and tomatoes for a beautiful and tasty finish. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy dish!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly based on the thickness of the veggies you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute that provides a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano will work nicely too!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave. Just add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time! Assemble the asparagus and tomato mixture on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just add the Parmesan and roast as directed!
