“Smokey Oven Roasted Asparagus”

Asparagus is abundant through the fall months and probably found year around where you live.  Low in carbs and chock full of Vitamin K makes this vegetable perfect for a heart healthy diet. So, while here in Chicago we’re celebrating the Cubbies 2016 World Series win, I decided this event called for a celebration dinner. On top of that, the weather was perfect for grilling. I’ll be sharing that recipe soon. But in the meantime, Smokey Oven Roasted Asparagus was on my menu. The hubby loves this tasty vegetable and since marrying him, I cook it more often.

Asparagus takes on bold, robust flavors therefore making it a perfect addition to most meals. Asparagus is used in casseroles, gratins, omelets, sautes, pastas, and soups. Served either hot or cold, roasted or fried, asparagus also blends well with a multitude of flavors. This brings me to Smokey Oven Roasted Asparagus.

Smokey Oven Roasted Asparagus

Since this tender vegetable can meld with different flavors, I decided to use smokey paprika as my flavor of choice in this recipe. In addition to being full of flavor, this recipe is easy and fast to prepare on those weeknights you have little time for meal prep.

All you need for this recipe is Olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon pepper to finish. The smoked paprika gives a warm spice taste while the lemon pepper adds just a touch of lemon without being too lemony as not to overwhelm the tender vegetable with citrus. If you love citrus, namely lemon, knock yourself out and use a little lemon juice to finish. The taste is fabulous regardless and this recipe will work with all varieties of asparagus. Give Smokey Oven Roasted Asparagus a try and I bet your kids will become believers in green stuff being good for them.

Smokey Oven Roasted Asparagus

1 bunch asparagus, rinsed and trimmed of tough ends

1 T. Olive oil plus more if asparagus are large

3/4 t. smoked paprika

3/4 t. garlic powder

Lemon pepper, for finishing

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place trimmed asparagus on flat rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with Olive oil and toss to coat each piece. Sprinkle on smoked paprika and garlic powder and toss again to coat well, leaving in a single layer on baking sheet. Place in preheated oven and roast for about 10 minutes until just tender. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with lemon pepper to your taste.

Makes 4 servings. Carbs, 21 g.