The Easiest, Most Elegant Side Dish
Tired of the same old boring vegetable sides? Let’s transform simple asparagus into a show-stopping dish that’s bursting with flavor! We’re talking tender-crisp asparagus spears roasted to perfection under the broiler, jeweled with crispy, salty bits of pancetta. It’s the kind of side dish that threatens to steal the spotlight from the main course. The secret is the perfect balance of savory pancetta, a hint of balsamic tang, and a touch of heat. And for the ultimate indulgence, a drizzle of rich Bacon Fat Hollandaise sends it right over the top. Don’t have time for sauce? No problem! A simple squeeze of fresh lemon is all you need to make the flavors pop. Get ready for your new favorite way to eat asparagus!
Ingredients
• 2 large bunches asparagus (about 2 lbs / 900g), trimmed
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces (113g) pancetta, diced
• Bacon Fat Hollandaise, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Preheat the oven to broil on the high setting.
3. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a broiling pan or large baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Scatter the diced pancetta evenly over the top.
4. Broil for 8 to 10 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the pancetta is golden and crispy.
5. Serve immediately, with a side of hollandaise for dipping or drizzling, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• MAKES: 6 servings · PREP TIME: 10 minutes · COOK TIME: 10 minutes
• PER SERVING
• CALORIES: 132
• FAT: 10.1g
• PROTEIN: 6.3g
• TOTAL CARBS: 5.6g
• FIBER: 2.8g
• NET CARBS: 2.8g
Pro Tips
• If you can’t find pancetta, an equal amount of regular bacon, chopped, makes a fantastic substitute.
• For a quick, bright finish without making hollandaise, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus just before serving.
• Ensure the asparagus is in a single, even layer on the pan. Overcrowding will cause the asparagus to steam rather than roast, preventing it from getting crispy.
• Adjust broiling time based on the thickness of your asparagus spears. Thinner spears may only need 6-7 minutes, while very thick ones might need the full 10.
FAQ
Q: What can I use instead of pancetta for this asparagus recipe
A: If you can’t find pancetta, you can use an equal amount of chopped regular bacon as a fantastic substitute.
Q: How do I make sure my asparagus gets crispy and not soggy
A: The key to crispy asparagus is to arrange it in a single, even layer on your baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will cause the asparagus to steam instead of roast.
Q: How long should I broil asparagus
A: Broil for 8 to 10 minutes for average-sized spears. You should adjust the cooking time based on thickness: thinner spears may only need 6-7 minutes, while very thick spears might require the full 10 minutes.
Q: Is the hollandaise sauce necessary for this dish
A: No, the Bacon Fat Hollandaise is completely optional. For a simpler, yet delicious finish, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus just before serving.
