Balsamic Asparagus perfect for Spring

Continuing with our Spring Is Here theme, I want to share a great recipe that is super simple and only requires a few ingredients.  Actually five ingredients and you can use this same recipe for other veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, etc. 

The flavor is both delicious and bold and it typically takes only 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes to cook!!  

Here are the ingredients you will need: 

1 bunch (about 1 pound) fresh asparagus, clean and trimmed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh black pepper

Pay attention now, this goes pretty fast....

1) Pre-heat a grill or a pan until is is pretty darn hot.  Not screaming but in some pain!! 

2) Brush the veggies with some good quality Olive Oil such as our amazing Montavo Tuscan Olive Oil.  Don't over saturate the veggie as you want them to be crisp.  

3) Cook on the pre-heater grill or pan under the broiler for 6 minutes until tender and browned.  Remove them and keep them warm.  

4) While the veggies are cooking, place the butter in a small saucepan over low until and warm until golden brown, stirring occasionally.  When you remove the veggies from the heat, stirr in the Balsamic Vinegar and stir until smooth.  We love to use 

5) Arrange your veggies on a service platter and spoon the balsamic butter over the top and grate some fresh black pepper over the top.  Serve this immediately!! 

That's it, five ingredients and five steps!!! 

A simple dish that packs a great flavor.  It goes great with Tuscan grilled chicken breast and is basically a good side dish to any piece of grilled beef you may plan to cook.  And don't forget the wine...... we recommend a soft red for this such as lightly oaked italian Pinot Bianco if you are cooking chicken and if you are going for the beef option, pair your wine with the beef as your normally would.  If you want a suggestion, send me a note and I will be happy to send you a couple of recommendations.  

Buon Appetito!!