This is a vegetable that should be eaten often and with gusto! Asparagus is one of nature’s Super Foods. It is one of the few foods rich in glutathione which is nature’s super antioxidant providing a source of powerful protection for our cells and our DNA against oxidative damage by free radical electrons. Asparagus also supports normal anti-inflammatory function, crucial to cancer prevention. Asparagus is also a rich source of of the soluble plant fiber inulin which supports the presence of normal healthy bacteria in the intestines, a crucial part of immune function and hormone detoxification and excretion so important to reduced risk of hormonal cancers including breast and prostate cancers. Asparagus is a rich source of the B Vitamin Folate also known as Folic acid which is required for normal homocysteine levels, detoxification of chemicals, hormones and toxins also serves to protect DNA and genetic material from damage. Adequate daily Folic Acid is also important to normal mood regulation, including depression. Olive Oil provides a source of healthy monounsaturated fat, oleic acid, antioxidant Vitamins A and E and anticancer and heart healthy, antimicrobial phenolic phytochemicals oleopurein and hydroxytyrosol.
The Basic Recipe
Gluten free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Ingredients
- One pound of thick asparagus spears
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation
- Preheat Oven to 400 degrees F
- Rinse asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough lower ends (about 1/2 inch) at the bottom of each spear. Pat dry.
- Spread the asparagus spears in one layer on a baking sheet
- Generously drizzle olive oil over the spears
- Roll the spears back and forth until evenly covered with olive oil
- Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Roast in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 8-10 minutes
- The asparagus should be lightly browned, and tender when pierced with a fork
- Make sure the oven is hot before cooking
Variations
- add 2 cloves minced garlic before cooking
additions after cooking:
- sprinkle with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
top with:
- chopped fresh basil
- toasted pine nuts, hazelnuts or slivered almonds
- finely sliced sun dried tomatoes
- capers
- sliced kalamata olives
