Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to add to your dinner repertoire? Look no further than this recipe for Cinnamon Thyme Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest.
This flavorful dish combines the earthy taste of asparagus with the warm notes of cinnamon and thyme, all topped off with a burst of citrusy freshness from the lemon zest. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will elevate any meal.
To make this dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The star of the show is, of course, the asparagus. Choose fresh, vibrant spears that are firm and crisp. Then, you’ll mix up a homemade seasoning blend using cinnamon and thyme, which will infuse the asparagus with warmth and depth of flavor.
Once seasoned, the asparagus is roasted to perfection, giving it a tender yet slightly crunchy texture.
To finish off the dish, a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a zesty pop that cuts through the richness of the roasted asparagus. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish will leave your taste buds wanting more.
So why wait? Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a healthy and delicious side dish that’s sure to impress.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Now that you’ve got your asparagus ready, it’s time to gather all the other mouthwatering ingredients that will make this dish burst with flavor.
Start by grabbing a bunch of fresh thyme sprigs and a stick of cinnamon. These aromatic herbs will infuse the asparagus with a delightful earthy and warm taste.
Next, you’ll need a juicy lemon to zest. The lemon zest will add a tangy and refreshing element to balance out the richness of the roasted asparagus.
Don’t forget to have some olive oil on hand to drizzle over the asparagus, giving it a luscious and silky texture.
Lastly, make sure you have salt and pepper to season the dish perfectly.
Once you have all these ingredients gathered, you’re ready to create a tantalizing cinnamon thyme roasted asparagus with lemon zest that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
Preparing the Asparagus
To get the asparagus ready, begin by trimming the ends and adding a burst of citrus flavor with a touch of zesty lemon.
First, take each asparagus spear and hold it near the bottom. Gently bend it until it snaps naturally. This will ensure that you remove the tough and fibrous part of the asparagus, leaving you with the tender and delicious part.
Next, rinse the asparagus under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Now, take a lemon and grate the zest over the asparagus spears. The lemon zest will add a refreshing tang to the dish. Make sure to evenly distribute the zest to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Mixing the Cinnamon Thyme Seasoning
Get ready to elevate the taste of your roasted asparagus by mixing a tantalizing blend of spices that’ll leave your taste buds craving for more.
To create the perfect cinnamon thyme seasoning, start by combining one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and one teaspoon of dried thyme in a small bowl. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
Next, add half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture. This’ll enhance the overall savory profile of the seasoning.
Finally, zest a fresh lemon directly into the bowl, using a microplane or fine grater. The lemon zest’ll add a bright, citrusy note that complements the earthy flavors of the cinnamon and thyme.
Mix everything together until well combined, and you’re ready to take your roasted asparagus to the next level of deliciousness.
Roasting the Asparagus
Once the cinnamon thyme seasoning is mixed to perfection, it’s time to roast the asparagus and unlock its delicious flavors.
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take the fresh asparagus spears and trim off the tough ends. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the cinnamon thyme seasoning generously over the asparagus, making sure to cover each spear. Using your hands, gently toss the asparagus to ensure even distribution of the seasoning.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly charred.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with lemon zest for a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of cinnamon, thyme, and lemon-infused roasted asparagus.
Adding the Lemon Zest for a Citrusy Finish
Enhance the vibrant flavors of your dish by generously sprinkling zesty citrus goodness over the roasted asparagus, tantalizing your taste buds with a burst of refreshing tang. Adding the lemon zest is the final touch that takes this dish to another level.
As you carefully grate the lemon peel, the intoxicating aroma fills the air, signaling the arrival of a citrusy explosion. The lemon zest adds a bright and acidic note, perfectly complementing the earthy flavors of the roasted asparagus. With each bite, your palate is greeted with a harmonious balance of savory and tangy flavors.
The lemon zest not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also brings a refreshing twist to the overall taste. So don’t hold back – sprinkle that lemon zest generously and let it work its magic on your taste buds.
CINNAMON THYME ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON ZEST
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus* ~1 lb woody stems removed
- 3 large carrots peeled and sliced into long strips
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3-4 sprigs thyme use just the leaves remove stems
- ½ juice of a large lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lay out some parchment paper on a sheet pan for easy clean up. Evenly spread out the asparagus and carrots in a single layer. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle on the minced garlic, thyme leaves, and a little salt and pepper. Give it a little stir.
- Bake in the preheated oven for ~20 minutes and then turn heat up to BROIL and cook for another 2-3 minutes to get the asparagus a little crispy on the tips. Make sure to keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn. Check carrots with a fork to make sure they are done.
- Serve roasted asparagus and carrots on a platter and squeeze some lemon juice on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- I recommend using thinner asparagus spears if possible. They cook faster and are more tender.
- Choose asparagus that is vibrant green without many yellow/brown spots.
- Asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, but if you can’t use it immediately, store it properly to maintain its freshness. Wrap the ends of the asparagus in a damp paper towel or place them upright in a container with water, and refrigerate them for a few days.
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- Parmesan cheese
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- Nutritional yeast
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- Lemon zest
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- Toasted almonds
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- More fresh thyme
HELP SECTION
Can I use a different type of seasoning instead of cinnamon thyme?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of seasoning instead of cinnamon thyme. It’s all about your personal preference and what flavors you enjoy. Get creative and try something new!
How long does it take to roast the asparagus?
Roast the asparagus for 15-20 minutes at 425°F. Make sure they’re tender but still crisp. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through for even cooking. Enjoy your delicious roasted asparagus!
Can I substitute lemon zest with another citrus fruit?
Yes, you can substitute lemon zest with another citrus fruit. Just choose one that has a similar tangy flavor, like lime or orange. It will add a refreshing twist to your dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the roasted asparagus dish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the roasted asparagus dish. It will enhance the flavors and add variety to your meal. Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a delicious combination.
How should I store the leftovers of the cinnamon thyme roasted asparagus?
Store the leftovers of your cinnamon thyme roasted asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor for up to 3 days. Enjoy reheating and enjoying it later!
Conclusion
So there you have it – a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy asparagus! With the combination of cinnamon, thyme, and lemon zest, this roasted asparagus dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
The cinnamon adds a warm and slightly sweet note, while the thyme adds a savory and earthy flavor. And the addition of lemon zest gives it a refreshing and citrusy finish.
This recipe is easy to make and will make a perfect side dish for any meal. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
