Roasted asparagus, garlic and sweet corn, drizzled with a vegan cilantro avocado cream. A unique dish that tastes phenomenal both hot out of the oven or chilled. 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes to cook – ready in under 30 minutes!
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream – Raw Ingredients
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream – Drying Asparagus in Tea Towel
The Skinny On Asparagus
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that can be enjoyed year round if you are fortunate enough to have a market that stocks it. Given its nutritional status it would be a shame to relegate it to the seasonal vegetable category. That being said, it’s springtime on the U.S. east coast and it’s asparagus season! If most veggies offer some type of nutritional punch, then asparagus offers the knockout. There are so many nutritional benefits. Here are some highlights:
- Asparagus is loaded with vitamins A, B, C, E and K.
- It is a great source of the mineral chromium, which increases the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the blood stream to cells. Regular consumption can make it beneficial in lowering the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
- It is high in Vitamin K which helps to lower the risk of coronary calcification which makes it beneficial to heart health.
- Asparagus is rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound, which can help fight cancer by breaking down carcinogens and free radicals.
- It is a natural diuretic which helps the body to naturally flush excess fluids.
- Asparagus contains the prebiotic inulin which, breaking down in the large intestine, becomes food for good bacteria which contributes to gut health.
This list is by no means exhaustive. To see how it helps to fight depression (and the recipe for another great asparagus dish) take a look at my Asparagus and Quinoa Purple Potato Salad. If you’re looking for yet more asparagus options then how ’bout my Vegan Au Gratin Potatoes. They are to die for — but you probably won’t, because you are eating so much asparagus! Ha!
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream – Finished Avocado Cream
The Skinny On Removing Garlic Skins
Trim each end of the garlic clove, then place clove under flat side of knife and smash down on knife with heel of hand being careful to avoid the sharp blade. Skin will then peel right off! Place in garlic press or dice.
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream – Smashing Garlic to Remove Skins
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream – Smashed Garlic
Roasted Asparagus With Vegan Avocado Cream
Ain’t she a beaut’?!
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream – Prepared to Roast
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Avocado Cream
Roasted asparagus, garlic and sweet corn, drizzled with a vegan cilantro avocado cream. A unique dish that tastes phenomenal both hot out of the oven or chilled. 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes to cook - ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears (washed and dried)
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (drained and dried if using canned corn)
- 1/2 large avocado (cut into smaller chunks)
- 1/4 cup cashew milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 6 large cloves fresh garlic (minced)
Instructions
- 1) Drain corn (if using canned) and wash asparagus. Place both on tea towels, gently blot excess moisture and leave to dry (see picture in post). It is important to remove all of the moisture or the vegetables will steam instead of browning in oven.
- 2) Place avocado, cashew milk, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt in food processor or blender and mix until smooth (see picture in post). Cover and set aside.
- 3) Place corn, minced garlic (see picture in post for easy skin removal), and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small mixing bowl and stir gently to combine.
- 4) Spread asparagus in a single layer on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roll asparagus back and forth with palm of hand to coat. Repeat process with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle corn, garlic, olive oil mixture over asparagus (see picture in post). Place in preheated 475 degree Fahrenheit oven for 12 minutes until beginning to brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with avocado cream and serve or chill for serving cold.
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