Elegant and Affordable: Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter

Asparagus season is almost upon us.  And I feel like with the way some of the weather has been in this country lately, a little taste of spring is just what the doctor ordered!  Wonderful flavor combinations used in this recipe to make quite an elegant dish.  And all things that you most likely have on hand so you don’t have to spend a lot to wow your guests!

Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter — from Cooking Light Magazine

• 2 lbs asparagus spears, trimmed
• Cooking spray
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbs butter
• 2 tsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• Grated lemon rind (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake for 12 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile melt butter in a saucier or a small skillet over medium heat.  Cook for 3 minutes or until lightly browned.  (Shake the pan occasionally and keep an eye on the butter.  It will go from a nutty lightly browned to burnt very quickly if you don’t).

Remove pan from heat and stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.

Drizzle over asparagus, tossing well to coat.  Transfer to a serving dish or bowl.

Garnish with cracked black pepper and lemon rind if desired.