Simple Sundays | Grilled Balsamic Asparagus
As much as I love to cook and experiment with flavors, sometimes, there’s nothing better than returning to the simplest forms of cooking. When ingredients are kept to a minimum, you can really appreciate the flavors of your vegetables and meats to their fullest. There…
As much as I love to cook and experiment with flavors, sometimes, there’s nothing better than returning to the simplest forms of cooking. When ingredients are kept to a minimum, you can really appreciate the flavors of your vegetables and meats to their fullest. There is no masking — it is pure. Best of all, it is easy.
Salt. Pepper. Olive Oil. And a splash of balsamic vinegar. When I am in a rush, that’s all I need. My asparagus gets a nice toss in this simple treatment. Same goes for some hefty pork chops.
In a matter of minutes, the grill works its magic.
When I cook like this, it reminds me: good food does not have to be complicated. How else would I be able to taste the sweetness of this season’s tender asparagus, brought out by a sprinkling of salt and a drizzle of inky balsamic? How else could an effortless plate still be so alluring?
What are your favorite ways to enjoy summer meals simply?
Grilled Balsamic Asparagus
This hardly seems a recipe, but perhaps that's what I love best about it. Just the basics, no frills. And it leaves you more time to enjoy the summer evenings.
Ingredients
1 pound asparagus
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
Instructions
Prepare the grill, preheating to high heat.
Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and discard. Toss the asparagus in the olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper, tossing to evenly coat the vegetables. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Grill the asparagus on high heat for about 6 minutes, until the asparagus are just fork tender, rotating periodically. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with a little additional balsamic vinegar.
Comments
COOKBOOK
There is nothing like grilled asparagus!
We should never under estimate the power of simple ingredients and flavours. Often times those are just the best. A great feast Liren:)
Such a good way to enjoy fresh asparagus complete with beautiful photos!
Happy Birthday Liren, hope you’re enjoying your special day;-)
I love asparagus and I love balsamic. This is my kind of recipe.
Your right, good food doesn’t need to be complicated! When you have wonderfully fresh ingredients they really don’t need much done to them, and I love nothing better than grilled asparagus with a poached egg. Happy days!
Gorgeous photos as always Liren!
You are SO right! Good food doesn’t need to be complicated. I love making a simple dinner like this on the weekends. It is so beautiful and yet so easy!
I agree, simple cooking is the best cooking! The less we tamper our foods, the more the flavours are enhanced, and the better they taste! Simple grilling always brings out the best in food, so I am all for that! I love grilling and wish we could do it all year long here in Canada! If only winters were milder…Sigh.
I have never put balsamic on my asparagus before, but it sounds like a great addition. I love grilled asparagus with olive oil, s&p – I am going to have pick up some at the store today!
We grilled asparagus but never tried with balsamic – we still have some asparagus left so it’ll be this week’s menu!
Your whole meal is my kind of meal for sure! I love grilled asparagus and you made me hungry now by looking at you pics:))
It’s the best way to taste the food. Minimal is the way. This is my favorite way of eating asparagus.
I love it! Simple seasonal food is definitely some of the best food out there. :)
You are so right: great ingredients are what matters and need nothing fancy to hide or enhance their true excellent flavors. This asparagus is gorgeous and beautifully prepared. This week, asparagus on the menu… just like this.
This is the PERFECT way to eat asparagus! I adore any veggie that is grilled – the smoky-ness that is added is the best. It just screams summer. This is a great simple Sunday. Sending Happy Father’s Day wishes to your family!!!
I love balsamic – I will eat it by the spoonful if given the opportunity. It’s absolutely perfect with asparagus! During the summer, I love to grill vegetables in much the same way – you can’t beat oil, balsamic, and some fresh herbs!
Asparagus and pork chops are one of my favorites (especially on the grill)! I love that there’s balsamic vinegar in this recipe, we use that quite often with our veggies. Delicious and simple- that’s the way to go!