Roasted Asparagus with Lemony Breadcrumbs

  Posted on July 2, 2012  by Leslie Blythe  No comments

Eat your asparagus!

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. It leads nearly all produce items in the wide array of nutrients it supplies in significant amounts for a healthy diet.  It’s low in calories, contains no fat or cholesterol, very low in sodium, a good source of potassium and fiber.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemony Breadcrumbs

Serves 6

2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tbs unsalted butter
½ cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
½ lemon, juiced and zested
Garnish: ½ lemon, cut into wedges

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle with oil. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Roast until tender, 18 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a platter.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt.

Top asparagus with breadcrumbs, and garnish with lemon.