We serve asparagus once or twice a week, year-round. But when it is in season, as it is now, we tend to eat it even more often. Naturally, we mix it up and prepare this green veggie in a number of different ways. Our latest preferred method of preparation is roasted in the Tuscan-style.

Influenced by the Tuscany region of Italy means that simple and flavorful components are the focus of a dish rather than elaborate preparations. Fresh, high-quality ingredients bring out the natural flavors and goodness of the food. Here, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts are roasted in a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper then topped with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest before serving. The result is a flavorful and colorful vegetable side dish.

Tuscan Roasted Asparagus

Tuscan Roasted Asparagus (adapted from tasteofhome.com)  Total Time Required: 35 minutes, Prep Time: 20 minutes, Bake Time: 15 minutes, Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1-1/2 cups (8 ounces) grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the asparagus, tomatoes, and pine nuts in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Mix 2 tablespoons of the oil with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the oil mixture over the veggies and pine nuts. Toss everything together to coat.

Toss the veggies and pine nuts with the oil mixture.

Roast the veggies for 15-20 minutes, just until the asparagus is tender.

Roast until the asparagus is tender.

Transfer the veggies to a serving dish. Drizzle them with the remaining oil and the lemon juice. Sprinkle the cheese and lemon zest overtop of the veggies.

Add the rest of the olive oil and the lemon juice, then sprinkle the cheese and lemon zest over the veggies.

Toss to combine and serve.

Colorfully delicious!

Season and fresh makes for a wonderful dish!  ~Linda

Tuscan-Style Roasted Asparagus (adapted from tasteofhome.com)  Total Time Required: 35 minutes, Prep Time: 20 minutes, Bake Time: 15 minutes, Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1-1/2 cups (8 ounces) grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the asparagus, tomatoes and pine nuts in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Mix 2 tablespoons of the oil with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the oil mixture over the veggies and pine nuts. Toss everything together to coat.

Roast the veggies for 15-20 minutes, just until the asparagus is tender. Transfer the veggies to a serving dish. Drizzle them with the remaining oil and the lemon juice. Sprinkle the cheese and lemon zest overtop of the veggies. Toss to combine and serve.