Open Arms of Minnesota

Potluck Recipe #16: Roasted Asparagus

Aside from the exit of winter — in some states! — we love spring for the arrival of asparagus. A member of the Lily family, asparagus is a bit of a natural wonder: although plants take three years to produce a harvestable crop, once they do, healthy spears will push their way out of the soil at an astounding 10 inches per 24 hours.

For all that rapidity, the little buggers are also nutrient rich, providing potassium, fiber, thiamine and vitamins B6, A and C. Best of all, they cook up tender, make a great side dish and lend an earthy sweet flavor to soups and salads.

We like ours roasted, as shown in the recipe below — a quick and easy side dish or, with the addition of the egg, center of the plate star.

Roasted Asparagus

(Serves 6 to 8)

2 pounds of asparagus
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground pepper

1. Place asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer. Coat with olive oil and a liberal amount of salt and pepper.
2. Roast the spears in the oven — set at 425 degrees, with the rack in the top third of the oven — or on a grill for about 25 minutes, turning every so often, until the spears are browned. We actually prefer them a little charred!
3. Serve warm.

Alternatively, the spears can be wrapped in prosciutto prior to roasting. After roasting, they are quite tasty tossed with a moderate amount of balsamic vinegar or served with a fried egg or two on top.

More from Open Arms

Moveable Feast 2023

SAVE THE DATE! Moveable Feast 2023 set for May 18 at Allianz Field!! Open Arms of Minnesota is proud to announce that the 19th Annual Moveable Feast will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Allianz Field in St. Paul. Our largest

Read More »

Open House Celebration

Saint Paul Kitchen & Campus, Open House Celebration Open Arms of Minnesota is excited to host an Open House Celebration at our brand-new Saint Paul Kitchen & Campus on Saturday, February 4 from 2-5 p.m. Open Arms invites the general public to explore the

Read More »

Join us for our Open House Celebration! 

YOU are invited to an Open House Celebration for the entire community at our new Open Arms St. Paul Kitchen & Campus! Please join us on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 2-5 p.m. Stop in with family and friends and explore the facility, play games, win prizes, and enter a drawing for fun giveaways.