Imagine transforming humble asparagus into a Mediterranean masterpiece that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Chargrilled Asparagus with Feta and Mint recipe is your ticket to an incredibly delicious side dish that's both elegant and ridiculously simple to prepare. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that will have your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained in a gourmet kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming off the tough woody ends. Pat the asparagus dry with paper towels to ensure proper chargrilling.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus spears, ensuring each spear is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the asparagus spears perpendicular to the grill grates to create beautiful char marks and prevent them from falling through.
- Grill the asparagus for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating them carefully with tongs to ensure even charring and cooking.
- Remove the asparagus from the grill when they are tender-crisp and have distinct grill marks, with a slight char on the edges.
- Transfer the grilled asparagus to a serving platter and immediately sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese while still hot.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped mint leaves, which will add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally drizzling with additional extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus spears with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Always pat asparagus completely dry before grilling to achieve those beautiful char marks.
- Ensure your grill is preheated to the right temperature (400-450°F) for optimal caramelization.
- Use tongs to carefully rotate asparagus, preventing them from falling through the grill grates.
- Don't overcook - asparagus should remain tender-crisp with a slight crunch.
- Sprinkle feta cheese while the asparagus is still hot to help it slightly melt and adhere.
- The mint should be freshly chopped to maximize its aromatic qualities.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the asparagus at its peak temperature and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 134kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
