Chew on This | Roasted Balsamic Asparagus with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Does someone in your family turn their nose up and refuse to eat anything called a "veggie"?
                                                                 Try roasting!        
Roasting asparagus is a great way to bring out the flavor of this delicious veggie. The subtle nutty flavor of the toasted sesame seeds and the balsamic vinegar adds a delicious layer of texture and richness that even our picky eater admitted was good!

Quick and easy too, here is all you will need:

Asparagus, sesame oil, sesame seeds, balsamic vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, crushed red peppers, and optional twist of lemon for garnish.

Please notice the sesame seeds...a gift from my friend, Akiko.  She brought them back to me from her last visit to Japan.  How special was that-thanks Akiko! 

In a small skillet, pour in 2 t of sesame seed oil and 1T of sesame seeds.  Over medium heat, toast them until they turn a light golden color...doesn't take long.

Wonderfully fragrant and nutty...now just spread some sesame oil on a foil covered baking sheet and roll the veggie spears in it to cover. Sprinkle with the yummy toasted sesame seeds.

 

Take a little trip to the oven for 8-10 minutes at 425º F.

You can make the delicious balsamic vinegar sauce while the spears are roasting.
You will need: balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and a dash of crushed red peppers.

 

Pour ingredients in a small bowl, stir it up.

Remove asparagus from the oven and transfer to a pretty serving plate.

Drizzle with the balsamic sauce, add a twist of lemon, and enjoy immediately.

Fresh, different and delicious!!!

Mimi

Here is the recipe: 

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus with Toasted Sesame Seeds

(adapted from a McCormick recipe-Toasted Sesame Seed Asparagus)

1 1/2 pounds of asparagus, washed and snap off ends

4 t sesame seed oil

1 T sesame seeds, toasted

3 t balsamic vinegar

3 t sugar

3 t soy sauce

dash of red pepper flakes

 

In a small skillet, pour 2 t of sesame seed oil and 1 T of sesame seeds.  Over a medium

heat, stir seeds until they become a golden color.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Spread 2 t of sesame seed oil in a foil-lined baking pan.  Roll washed asparagus

in the oil.  Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.  Make sure asparagus is in a single

layer.

Roast in a 425º F oven for 8-10 minutes or until they reach the desired

tenderness.

Mix balsamic vinegar, sugar, soy sauce and the red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Remove asparagus from the oven and place on a nice serving plate.  Drizzle the

balsamic sauce over the asparagus and top with a twist of lemon.