Are you ready to transform an ordinary vegetable side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds? This Mexican-inspired Sour Cream Salsa Asparagus Sauce is not just a recipe – it's a flavor revolution that combines the crisp freshness of asparagus with a creamy, zesty sauce that will elevate your cooking from mundane to magnificent. Get ready to impress your guests and tantalize your palate with this incredibly simple yet sensationally delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water, trimming off the tough woody ends by gently bending each spear until it naturally breaks at its natural breaking point.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes to shock the asparagus after blanching.
- Carefully add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Using tongs, immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, finely minced fresh garlic, salsa, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
- Drain the asparagus from the ice bath and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter and generously drizzle the sour cream salsa sauce over the top.
- Optionally, garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is still warm and the sauce is fresh.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select bright green, firm asparagus spears with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Blanching Technique: The key to perfect asparagus is quick blanching - don't overcook! Two to three minutes is your sweet spot for maintaining that beautiful bright green color and crisp texture.
- Ice Bath Magic: The ice bath is crucial - it stops the cooking process immediately and helps preserve the asparagus's vibrant color and nutrients.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk your sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-incorporated mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serving Tip: Serve the sauce immediately after preparation for the freshest flavor and most appealing presentation.
- Optional Enhancements: Experiment with garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a few crumbled queso fresco cheese for extra flavor dimensions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
