Healthy Blanched Asparagus Recipes

HEALTHY ROAST ASPARAGUS WITH CREAMY ALMOND VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Position a rack in the top third of the oven. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine 5 tablespoons of the almonds, the lemon juice, sugar and 6 tablespoons water in a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Taste the sauce and season with salt. Pour the sauce onto a platter and place the asparagus on top. Garnish with the zest and remaining 1 tablespoon almonds.
• Per serving: SERVES: Calories: 110; Total Fat: 5 grams; Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 17 grams; Sugar: 8 grams; Fiber: 6 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 125 milligrams

BLANCHED CRUDITES

Steps:

• Prepare a large pot of boiling salted water, and fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Remove the tough bottoms of the asparagus stalks. If they are thick, peel the stems half-way up the stalk.
• Add the carrots to the pot of boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Immediately remove the carrots with a slotted spoon and plunge them in the bowl of ice water. Drain the carrots when fully cooled.
• Add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Immediately remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon and plunge them into the reserved bowl of ice water. Drain the asparagus when fully cooled.
• Slice the radicchio into wedges.
• Arrange the carrots, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and radicchio on a platter and serve with the Herb Dip.
• Place the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and blend. Serve at room temperature.

BLANCHED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Prepare 1 1/2 pounds medium-thick asparagus (see Rinse and Snap). Have a large bowl of ice water ready. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Season with 2 tablespoons coarse salt, and add asparagus; boil until tender, 3 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness).
• Remove with tongs, or drain in a colander, and immediately transfer to ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Drain; refrigerate until completely chilled.