THUNDER BAY – It is spring, the season for tasty asparagus. While you can find asparagus in the grocery stores, it is still a little early for locally grown asparagus. Visit Belluz Farms online, or the Thunder Bay Country Market to keep up to date on what is coming up green in the area.
While you wait, here is a tasty recipe for Ontario-grown asparagus, courtesy of Foodland Ontario.
Chilean Pebre sauce is low fat, easy to make and adds just the right zip. Choose uniform asparagus stalks for easier timing on the grill. Serve hot or at room temperature. The sauce is also good with grilled meats or fish.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Standing Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) minced Ontario Greenhouse Sweet Red Pepper
- 1/4 cup (50 mL) minced onion
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) minced fresh cilantro or parsley
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) each water and white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) hot red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
- 1 lb (500 g) Ontario Asparagus, trimmed
Preparation Instructions:
In small bowl or measuring cup, mix red pepper, onion, cilantro, 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the olive oil, water, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) of the oregano, hot pepper flakes, salt and pepper; cover and let stand at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Mix remaining oil and oregano; brush on asparagus to coat well. Place asparagus in grill basket or directly on grill over medium-high heat. Close cover and grill, turning with tongs, for 3 to 5 minutes each side, or until just tender. Place in shallow serving dish; top with sauce. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information:
1 Serving:
- Protein: 3.0 grams
- Fat: 10.0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8.0 grams
- Fibre: 2.0 grams
- Calories: 129
For more exciting recipes visit www.foodland.gov.on.ca
