Balsamic Asparagus
Asparagus is a double agent!
“Wow,” you say “that’s a really bold statement! And how is asparagus a double agent?”
I’ll tell you!
It’s a really elegant side dish, yet it’s also really easy to prepare. It’s the perfect side for your Christmas dinner, because your guests think they are getting something that’s really fancy, but you know that it only took minutes to prepare.
Want to class it up even more? Lean in and I’ll tell you my secret:
Balsamic vinegar. There’s a little magic that happens when balsamic vinegar is cook, and it’s called caramelization. The sugars caramelize and reduce into a wonderfully thick sauce. Add some garlic to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect dish!
Balsamic Asparagus
Ingredients:
1 lb asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1. Prepare the stalks by cutting off about 1/2 inch of the stems. Steam the asparagus for about 5 – 10 minutes.
2. Add the olive oil and chopped garlic to a medium large pan on medium high heat.
3. Add the stalks to the pan and top with the salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 – 10 minutes while occasionally tossing with tongs.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes, or just long enough for the vinegar to thicken.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
- 1 lb asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Prepare the asparagus by cutting off about 1/2 inch of the stems. Steam the asparagus for about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Add the olive oil and chopped garlic to a medium large pan on medium high heat.
- Add the asparagus to the pan and top with the salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 – 10 minutes while occasionally tossing with tongs.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes, or just long enough for the vinegar to thicken.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
What’s your favorite way to eat asparagus?
Crystal is the founder of Simply Playful Fare. She has been in the kitchen for as long as she can remember. She has a degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing.