By Bellalimento
Yes, you read correctly, this asparagus is baked in a brown paper grocery bag. Yep, the large ones you get at the grocery store. I know, what you’re thinking because I must admit I thought my Mom had lost her mind the first time I saw her making this. She must have seen my look of terror and shot me that “wait and see” look. And wait I did, right in front of the oven because I was sure she was going to set our house on fire… guess what, she didn’t.
She’s been making this for years and so have I. It’s always fun to make for company because they have the same look on their faces as I did all those many years ago. I just wink and say “wait and see” .
It couldn’t be simpler. You’ll toss the asparagus in extra virgin olive oil and garlic, season with salt/pepper. You’ll chuck it into the bottom of the grocery bag and add the other ingredients. Fold the bag over itself and then most IMPORTANTLY you simply MUST be sure that you coat the entire bag in canola oil. You’ll want to use canola because it won’t smoke. I’ve found the easiest way to do this is with my hands.
I’m not sure what magic goes on inside that bag but it’s the most tender, perfectly cooked asparagus I’ve ever tasted.
So next time you’re at the grocery, ask for paper instead of plastic ; ) You’ll need it to whip up this scrumptious summer side dish.
More Asparagus Recipe:
Marinated Asparagus with Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette
Asparagus Salad with Sweet Pepper Confetti
Asparagus Baked in a Paper Bag
What you’ll need:
- 2 bundles asparagus – trimmed
- 1/2 lemon – sliced
- 4 cloves garlic – minced
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt/pepper
- 2 bay leaves
What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Into a large bowl, add: asparagus and garlic. Drizzle enough olive oil to coat asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
3. Place asparagus into the bottom of a large brown paper bag. Add lemon slices and bay leaves.
4. Fold paper bag over itself so it lays flat. Place paper bag onto a rimmed cookie sheet.
5. Using your hands or a silicon brush, coat outside of brown paper bag with canola oil, making sure all areas are coated.
6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. To serve: CAREFULLY {steam will billow out} cut into bag and either serve directly from bag or transfer to a serving dish. Discard bay leaves.
Food , Recipes
