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Sautéed Asparagus with Lemon, Garlic, and Feta Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This Sautéed Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender asparagus cooked in extra virgin olive oil, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and enhanced with optional toppings like garlic, shallots, lemon, Aleppo pepper, za’atar, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

For the Sautéed Asparagus

  • Extra virgin olive oil – about ¼ cup
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and sliced into 3-inch pieces
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon za’atar
  • 1/3 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a cast iron or large skillet pan over medium-high heat. Add about ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil once the pan is hot. Wait until the oil is shimmering before adding asparagus.
  2. Sauté the asparagus: Add the sliced asparagus along with a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Cook the asparagus for 2 minutes, tossing regularly to ensure even cooking.
  3. Optional toppings step – add aromatics: At this point, if you’re adding toppings, add the minced garlic and chopped shallots to the pan. Continue to sauté, stirring frequently until the asparagus is tender and lightly browned, about 3 more minutes.
  4. Season and finish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes), and za’atar. Top with the chopped roasted red peppers and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve the sautéed asparagus while hot and fresh.

Notes

  • Use a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet to avoid overcrowding asparagus, which helps achieve a good sear.
  • You can experiment with other seasonings such as oregano, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, or extra red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.
  • Leftovers should be eaten within 3 days and stored tightly wrapped in foil. Avoid adding toppings until just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
  • Shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients like Aleppo pepper, za’atar, and extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/sauteed-asparagus-with-lemon-garlic-and-feta-recipe/