Imagine transforming ordinary asparagus into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! This braised asparagus with lemon and chives is not just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet experience. With just a few ingredients and some culinary magic, you'll create a bright, tender, and absolutely irresistible vegetable masterpiece that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim the woody ends by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife, ensuring that you are left with the tender parts of the stalks.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute, ensuring it is hot but not smoking.
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the pan in a single layer. Sauté the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn bright green.
- Once the asparagus is tender, pour the juice of 1 lemon over the asparagus. Stir gently to coat the spears evenly with the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the asparagus braise in the lemon juice for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the asparagus to become tender but still crisp.
- After the braising time, remove the lid and check the asparagus for doneness. It should be bright green and tender when pierced with a fork. If needed, cook for an additional minute or two without the lid for a slightly firmer texture.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the asparagus. Toss gently to combine, allowing the chives to add a fresh flavor to the dish.
- Transfer the braised asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle with any remaining lemon juice from the pan and serve immediately while hot.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a light vegetarian side. Enjoy your delicious braised asparagus with lemon and chives!
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant green asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Always trim the woody ends before cooking to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth spears.
- Use medium heat when sautéing to prevent burning and maintain the asparagus's bright green color.
- Don't overcook! The goal is tender-crisp asparagus that retains its beautiful texture and nutrients.
- Fresh lemon juice is key—bottled juice can't compare to the bright, fresh flavor of a freshly squeezed lemon.
- Chop chives just before serving to preserve their delicate flavor and vibrant green color.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small pat of butter when braising or garnishing with toasted sliced almonds.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
