Prepare to elevate your dining experience with a stunning Italian-inspired dish that transforms humble white asparagus into a gourmet masterpiece! This herb pangrattato recipe is not just a side dish—it's a crispy, aromatic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine delicate white asparagus, perfectly cooked and crowned with a golden, herb-infused breadcrumb topping that adds an irresistible crunch and burst of fresh flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500 g white asparagus
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the white asparagus by washing thoroughly and trimming the tough woody ends. If the asparagus is thick, use a vegetable peeler to gently remove the outer fibrous layer from the bottom third of each spear.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the prepared white asparagus and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight crispness. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the herb pangrattato. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Finely chop the fresh herbs (parsley and thyme). Once the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy, remove from heat and immediately mix in the chopped herbs.
- Drain the cooked asparagus and pat dry with clean kitchen towels. Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter.
- Generously sprinkle the herb pangrattato over the warm asparagus. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is warm and the breadcrumbs are crisp. Optionally, drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm white asparagus for the best texture and flavor. Look for spears that are uniform in color and have tight, compact tips.
- When peeling thick asparagus, be gentle to preserve the delicate flesh. Use a sharp vegetable peeler and work from the bottom third upwards.
- Toast breadcrumbs slowly and stir constantly to ensure even, golden browning without burning. Medium heat is key for perfect crispness.
- Use a mix of fresh herbs for maximum flavor complexity. While the recipe suggests parsley and thyme, feel free to experiment with basil or oregano.
- Serve immediately after topping with pangrattato to maintain the breadcrumbs' crispy texture. Soggy breadcrumbs are a culinary crime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 174kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
