broiled asparagus

This week is all about the simplest ways to do vegetables. The simplest and most tasty way I've found to make asparagus [and the only way my hubs will eat it] is to broil it. The best part is it's easy to make slight variations to have a whole new dish. From The Quick Recipe.

2 lbs thin asparagus spears, tough ends snapped off

1 T extra-virgin olive oil

salt & ground black pepper

1] Adjust the oven rack to the uppermost position and heat broiler. Toss the asparagus with oil then salt and pepper to taste on a heavy rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the spears in a single layer on baking sheet.

2] Broil the asparagus 4-5 minutes, shake the pan to turn the spears, and broil another 4-5 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned. Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter to serve hot or warm.

My favorite variations:

Italian herbs [season with 1 T rosemary and thyme each before broiling]

Lime & Mint [squeeze 1 1/2 T lime juice and sprinkle 1 t chopped mint over finished broiled asparagus]

Turkey Bacon, Red Onion, and Balsamic Vinaigrette [wisk together 2T minced onion and balsamic vinaigrette, drizzle over finished broiled asparagus, sprinkle cooked turkey bacon on top to taste]