This simple and delicious side dish features oven roasted asparagus paired with sweet and juicy orange rounds. Toghether, they create a flavor perfect for the warmer months!
Hey, ya'll! I'm telling you, my mom is a smart cookie. She raised three kids, two boys and me-the only girl, who all love to cook. Growing up, we used to hang out in the kitchen and watch her work her magic every night for dinner. She'd often have us all pitch in help out so that we got hands-on experience.
Why is this smart, you might ask? The family gets together for dinner about every other week and we all bring a bunch of food with us. Not only does she have to do less cooking now but she also eats really damn well since we're all pretty good cooks.
It's brilliant!
What's even better is that she's teaching her grandkids how to cook. From the time they are able to sit up on their own, the kids are sitting on the countertop helping out in the kitchen. Traditionally, we all start with baking (cookies, pies, cakes, brownies, etc.), and then we work our way up to salads, side dishes and eventually even the main course. Okay...so maybe not the main course. I don't think mom is quite ready to relinquish those reins yet. I'm 34 years old and she's never let me cook the main course at her house before (with the exception she got really sick on Thanksgiving).
A couple of weeks ago, mom had all of us kids over and asked us each to bring a side dish. I immediately signed up for asparagus. Asparagus is my go-to veggie. I love the way it tastes when it is roasted in the oven and there are countless ways that you can prepare it; Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus and Jacked Up Asparagus are some of our favorite recipes.
I ran out to the store and picked up all of the ingredients to make Garlic Roasted Asparagus. While I was at the store, I called my mom to ask if she needed anything...that's when she broke the news to me. My brother was bringing asparagus to dinner. She had totally forgotten that I was going to bring it. In a panic, I decided to swap from Garlic Roasted Asparagus to Roasted Ranch Flavored Baby Carrots.
My brother Scott showed up with asparagus and oranges and got to work in the kitchen. I was, obviously, intrigued. My brother can do some pretty incredible things with asparagus, he makes the absolute best Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus I've ever had. I love roasting fruit in the oven- it brings out the natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit- but I had never thought of pairing it with asparagus. I sat back and watch him go to work. I have to admit, I was impressed.
Ingredients:
1 bunch of asparagus, bottoms trimmed 1 orange, sliced into rounds 1 tbsp olive oil Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
3. Wash and trim the edges off of your asparagus. Pat dry with a paper towel and place the asparagus on the prepared ban.
4. Slice your orange into rounds. Place on the baking sheet with the asparagus.
5. Drizzle the asparagus and oranges with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Roll the asparagus and oranges around on the pan until they are evenly coated and in a single layer on the pan.
7. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until asparagus is tender.
8. If desired, squeeze the excess orange juice on top of the asparagus. Discard the oranges and serve the asparagus immediately.
**Pro-Tip: Roasted oranges are delicious! If you want to serve them with your dish, rather than discard them, simply peel the orange before you slice it into rounds**
I modified his recipe a little when I played with it at home but the end result, of both dishes, was absolutely incredible. The juice from the orange helps the asparagus cook beautifully and gives a little sweetness to it. This dish would be incredible for a hot spring or summer day.
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This post was updated on 2/18/2019
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