Emily Johnson
Roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a simple and delicious dish that can be served as a side or main course. The combination of earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus creates a flavourful dish that can be roasted in an oven or baked in an air fryer. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The key to this recipe is the seasoning—a combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper is a must, but you can also add balsamic vinegar, garlic, rosemary, or your favourite seasoning blend.
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare asparagus for baking
When selecting asparagus, look for firm stalks that are fairly uniform in thickness, with vibrant green colour that gently fades to a lighter green or white at the bottom. The tips should be dry, closed tightly, and can be darker green or purple-tinged. Avoid any bunches that appear limp or dull, or have a squishy or off-putting smell.
Before baking, wash the asparagus thoroughly to remove any debris. Then, trim the ends and cut the asparagus on a diagonal into 1-2 inch pieces. You can also cut the asparagus into halves or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Some recipes recommend tossing the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking, while others suggest using butter for a sheen and extra flavour.
To bake the asparagus, preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminium foil or spray it with non-stick spray. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are spread out evenly. Bake for around 8-20 minutes, turning once or twice, until the asparagus is tender and browned, or cooked to your desired level of doneness.
You can also experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to add extra flavour to your baked asparagus. Some options include balsamic vinegar, "Everything" Bagel Seasoning, lemon slices, and Parmesan butter.
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How to season asparagus
Seasoning asparagus is a simple process that can greatly enhance its flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparation
Firstly, choose asparagus that is firm but has a bit of give. Clean the asparagus thoroughly to remove any grit, especially in the tips. You can snap off the woody ends by holding each stalk at both ends and bending until it snaps, or you can cut them off with a knife. For larger stalks, use a peeler to remove the stringy texture.
Seasoning
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in many ways. A classic combination is olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also add lemon juice for a pop of citrus. Other seasonings include Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and seasonings like Everything Bagel Seasoning or Spike Seasoning.
Cooking
After seasoning, the asparagus is ready to be cooked. A popular method is roasting it in the oven. Preheat your oven to around 400°F. Toss the asparagus with oil and seasonings, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired texture. For a slightly firmer texture, cook for a shorter duration at a lower temperature. You can also cook the asparagus on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
Serving
Before serving, you can sprinkle the roasted asparagus with lemon juice to add freshness. If using cheese, you can add it at the end, so it remains melted and crispy. Enjoy your seasoned asparagus as a side dish or complement to your favourite meals!
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How to season mushrooms
When it comes to seasoning mushrooms, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season mushrooms:
Choosing the Right Mushrooms
First, select the mushrooms you want to season. You can use any variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster, or wild mushrooms.
Preparing the Mushrooms
Remove any hard stems and cut or tear the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces. If you plan to roast the mushrooms, thicker varieties like portobello can be cut into 1/4-inch cubes. Blot the mushrooms with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Seasoning Options
Now, let's explore some seasoning options:
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning mushrooms with salt and pepper is a classic choice. However, it is recommended to add salt towards the end of cooking, as salt draws out moisture and can prevent mushrooms from browning in the pan.
- Olive Oil: Using olive oil to cook the mushrooms adds flavour and helps achieve a golden brown crust. Extra virgin olive oil is a good option for sautéing.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and enhances the flavour of the mushrooms. It can be added during cooking or at the end as a finishing touch.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder provides a bold flavour. Minced or sliced garlic can be added during cooking, while a knob of garlic can be added at the end for a subtle flavour.
- Herbs: Thyme, sage, and oregano are excellent herb choices to pair with mushrooms. Fresh herbs can be added during cooking, while dried herbs can be added at the end.
- Wine: A splash of red or white wine adds depth of flavour to the mushrooms. Cooking wine, such as Marsala or red cooking wine, works well.
- Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can be drizzled over roasted mushrooms to balance their earthiness and enhance the overall flavour profile.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce can be used for seasoning roasted mushrooms and adds a unique savoury note.
- Other Seasonings: Other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic salt, or "Everything" Bagel Seasoning can also be used to enhance the flavour of mushrooms.
Cooking Techniques
- Sautéing: When sautéing, heat the fat (butter or olive oil) in a pan, add the mushrooms, and cook until lightly browned. Then, add any additional seasonings and continue cooking until tender.
- Roasting: For roasting, toss the mushrooms in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F/200°C for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust the seasonings and cooking techniques to suit your taste preferences.
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How to roast mushrooms in the oven
Roasting mushrooms in the oven is a simple process that yields delicious results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve perfectly roasted mushrooms:
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your mushrooms. Washing the mushrooms is optional, but if you do choose to wash them, make sure they are dried thoroughly before proceeding. Some people prefer to simply brush off any dirt or debris from the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or soft brush.
Seasoning
Cut the mushrooms into quarters or slices, depending on their size and your preference. You can also leave smaller mushrooms whole if desired. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil (or another oil of your choice). Toss the mushrooms in the oil to ensure they are evenly coated.
Now it's time to add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic, rosemary, or even "Everything" Bagel Seasoning for an extra flavour boost. If you're feeling indulgent, you can also add a drizzle of melted butter to the mushrooms before roasting.
Roasting
Spread the seasoned mushrooms on a baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with aluminium foil or simply grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Make sure the mushrooms are in a single layer and not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the mushrooms for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. The mushrooms are done when they are tender and lightly browned.
Serving
Remove the roasted mushrooms from the oven and serve them hot or at room temperature. They make a delicious and healthy side dish, pairing well with various proteins and vegetables. Enjoy the earthy, umami flavour of perfectly roasted mushrooms!
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How to serve roasted asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served in several ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and serve roasted asparagus:
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil or use a non-stick baking sheet. Wash and trim the asparagus, cutting off any woody ends, and cut the spears into 1-2 inch diagonal pieces. You can also leave the asparagus whole if you prefer.
Seasoning
Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus, or use coconut oil for a slightly different flavour. Toss the asparagus to coat evenly, then season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, garlic, or red onion to enhance the flavour. For an extra indulgent touch, finish with a drizzle of melted butter.
Roasting
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-20 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Keep an eye on them, as they should be tender and lightly browned when ready.
Serving
Roasted asparagus can be served warm or at room temperature. For a simple side dish, sprinkle with vinegar and toss gently before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of syrupy aged balsamic vinegar to balance the flavours. If you want to make it extra special, serve it with a side of Hollandaise sauce.
Roasted asparagus pairs well with various proteins and makes a great side dish for a special dinner or even a fancy dinner party. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious roasted asparagus!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need asparagus, mushrooms, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add balsamic vinegar, butter, garlic, and seasoning blends such as "Everything Bagel Seasoning" for extra flavour.
Preheat your oven to 400-450°F. Wash and cut the asparagus into 1-2 inch pieces, removing the woody ends. Clean and slice or quarter the mushrooms. Place the vegetables in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season as desired. Toss well to coat.
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil or greased with non-stick spray. Roast for 10-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned.
The asparagus should be tender and lightly browned, and the mushrooms should be cooked to your desired level of doneness. All liquid from the mushrooms should be evaporated.
Baked asparagus and mushrooms make a delicious and healthy side dish. They pair well with proteins such as ham, quiche, or your favorite meat or plant-based alternative.
