Pic of Asparagus with lemon crumbs

Asparagus with lemon crumbs

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Asparagus with lemon crumbs

Starter Serves 4 30 min
This healthy vegetarian dish makes a delectable starter, side or salad ingredient. The asparagus season runs from about May to June and asparagus is best eaten fresh – within the first day or two of arrival in your veg box.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of wholemeal bread, crusts removed
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp thyme leaves
  • ½ tsp rosemary leaves, chopped
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 50g butter, cut into cubes
  • 50g Parmesan, grated

Method

Prep time: 15 min
Cooking time: 15 min

  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 260°C/Gas 10.

  • Step 2

    To prepare the asparagus, wash and exert gentle pressure at the bottom of each spear until it snaps/breaks where it is tender.

  • Step 3

    Put the bread, garlic, salt, herbs, lemon zest and olive oil in a food processor and whizz until breadcrumbs form. Scatter the crumbs on a shallow tray and bake in the oven until golden brown.

  • Step 4

    Blanch the asparagus for 4-6 minutes. Then put the lemon juice in a small pan and whisk in the butter over a medium heat. Remove from the heat when the butter has melted.

  • Step 5

    Place the asparagus spears on plates, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Drizzle with the lemon butter and serve.