Asparagus Provencale
A vibrant Provençale asparagus dish featuring tender, peeled asparagus spears topped with toasted bread crumbs, herbs, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for elegant spring meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a small saucepan; spoon off the white foam that rises to the surface to clarify the butter.
- Cook slowly until the butter turns a deep golden brown.
- Snap the asparagus and peel the lower part of each spear with a vegetable peeler or small sharp knife.
- Place the asparagus in a 10 to 12-inch skillet or sauté pan.
- Add water to barely cover the asparagus and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Gently boil the asparagus, uncovered, until tender-crisp when pierced with a small sharp knife, about 5 minutes.
- Drain the asparagus and refresh under cold water.
- Drain the spears on paper towels and dry thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Asparagus Provencale, consider using ghee instead of butter for a nutty taste. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried herbs like thyme or oregano can provide a nice alternative. For a crunchy topping, incorporate crushed nuts or seeds into the breadcrumb mixture. Always taste the asparagus before serving to ensure perfect seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Asparagus Provencale as a vibrant side dish to grilled meats or alongside a light salad. It pairs beautifully with Southern Baked Carrots for a colorful dinner plate. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a protein like roasted chicken or fish. A sprinkle of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Asparagus Provencale can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently sauté in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, or briefly microwave, covered, to avoid overcooking. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Provencale contains roughly 936 calories, with 40g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (249% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available. Simply thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. Adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen asparagus may require less time to become tender. Ensure they are as dry as possible to avoid excess water in the final dish.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If you don't have shallots, finely chopped onions or green onions can be used as a substitute. Onions will provide a stronger flavor, so use them sparingly. Green onions offer a milder taste and can add a nice color contrast to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
To make Asparagus Provencale vegetarian, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. The dish is already vegetarian-friendly, and you can also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful twist. Browse more vegetarian recipes for inspiration.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).