Tag: side dish

Pan Seared Asparagus

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Sometimes a simple side is the best way to go.  And if you haven’t tried asparagus in a while, this is the recipe to try!  Please do not confuse this with the stuff you get from the can all mushy and waterlogged.  This asparagus is a flavorful and substantial side dish that is tender yet still has some body to it.

I did not grow up eating asparagus.  As a matter of fact there really aren’t many Portuguese recipes for vegetable preparation because there was never much room on a Portuguese table for green veggies of any kind (well beyond couves/kale of course)! So, when I became and adult and started exploring the world of veggies on my own, I stumbled upon this one and fell in love!  I created this recipe and buy asparagus whenever it is on sale which is about once a month and serve it at my dinner table holiday or not.

If you have never worked with asparagus, you might be surprised at just how simple it is to prepare…

Start with fresh asparagus. This recipe does not work with canned or even frozen asparagus.

Wash and cut off the woody bottoms… I usually remove the bottom 2 1/2 inches.

Heat your oven-safe skillet over high heat with a bit of olive oil. Place asparagus into the skillet altogether.

Sprinkle with kosher salt and Peppercorn & Garlic rub. (I also like to add in some Hungarian Paprika)

Toss in your skillet with some tongs and continue to get a sear on each piece. Then pop in a pre-heated oven for about 5 minutes.

AAA done

Pan Seared asparagus

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 lb. fresh asparagus, washed and trimmed

3-4 Tbs. olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

 

1/2 tsp. Peppercorn & Garlic Rub

1/4 tsp. Hungarian P

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375°F.  Heat skillet over high heat with olive oil.

Be sure asparagus is dry from washing.  Place in heated skillet. Sprinkle with salt, Peppercorn & Garlic Rub and any other desired spices.  Allow to sear for one minute, then rotate which asparagus are making contact with the hot skillet using tongs.

Once all asparagus has been seared, place skillet in the oven for 5-7 minutes.  Serve immediately. Enjoy!

 

Rockstar Potatoes

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Why Rockstar Potatoes you ask? Why, because you feel like a rock star when you serve them to your family and friends! If you are tired of humdrum mashed or baked potatoes, try these, they are sure to be a hit!

These potatoes will be a welcome side to any weeknight meal or any holiday table.  They are simple and delicious.  Once you get the method down, you can make this with regular white potatoes as seen here, red bliss would be yummy too or you can think way out of the box and chop up some sweet potatoes and have a tasty savory sweet potato side!

Let’s get started…

raw bacon

You will want to begin where many delicious creations start… with bacon. Here you see thick center cut bacon in a medium skillet. It’s nothing crazy, just out of your grocer’s cooler. Use any type of bacon you like or have on hand. This is what I had. Place 4 slices in a pan and fry them up crispy.

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Next, set bacon aside on some paper towels to drain. But, don’t get rid of that bacon grease that is in the pan… that will now become your cooking fat. (OH, and make sure if you have people with wandering hands roaming your kitchen, that you cover this up, otherwise you may end up with no bacon in your final product!)

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Next, take about 5-6 potatoes and chop them up to the size of a half-dollar and place them in the pan with your bacon grease… then add your onions and thyme.

onions

Take one small onion and slice sort of thinly. (if you like more onions, use a bigger onion, I won’t tell)

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Now for the thyme… I really think fresh thyme is key in this recipe, it adds that little something special… but if you don’t have it, use dry (just reduce the amount because dry herbs can get over powering, so take it slow) For the fresh thyme, remove the leaves from the stems and discard stems.

garlic

After you have browned up the potatoes and onions a bit (say 10 mins or so) Add in one clove of chopped garlic. I add this later on because I don’t want the garlic to turn bitter from over cooking. Also at this stage add a pinch of salt and some fresh cracked black pepper. (Keep in mind the bacon is salty, don’t over salt)

chopped bacon

As you allow the garlic to make friends with the potatoes and the onions, chop up the bacon you have reserved, it’s going in next.

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OK… so here is everything together… as soon as you mix in the bacon, double check that you have added in all your ingredients and then pop it into your oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 mins. until tender. (note: Make sure your skillet is oven safe, if you aren’t sure… just place ingredients into a baking dish and continue)

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And Wala… You’re a Rock Star!

Rockstar Potatoes Recipe:

(serves 4)

5-6 medium white potatoes, cut into 1/2 dollar size

4 slices thick cut bacon

1 small onion, sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.  Fry up bacon in a medium skillet, set aside on paper towels to drain.  Use reserved bacon grease to fry up potatoes with onions and thyme, 10 minutes, stir occasionally.  Add in garlic, cook about 2-3 minutes.  Chop reserved bacon and add in.  Place skillet in oven (be sure skillet is oven safe! – if not, transfer to a baking dish).  Check for tenderness 15-20 mins. Enjoy!

note: Gluten free. So long as your bacon is gluten-free (always check for packing ingredients) then this is a naturally gluten-free recipe.

*** note: For a slightly healthier version, toss out the bacon grease and replace with olive oil.  You won’t be a rock star, but you’ll still be a pop star!