Roast asparagus is jazzed up with a zesty, crunchy crumb topping that is so packed with cheesy, garlic-y flavour you’ll want to use it on everything!

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 bunches asparagus
• 4 tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs*
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• zest of half a lemon
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 210°C
2. Prepare the asparagus by removing the hard woody ends; the best way to do it is simply by hand, just bend each spear until it naturally snaps at the correct spot. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, drizzle with 2 tbsp. olive oil & sprinkle with the salt, set aside.
3. Prepare the crumb topping: mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, garlic & 2 tbsp. olive oil in a bowl till evenly mixed. Have a taste & season with salt if needed. Spoon this mixture mainly across the middle part of the asparagus spears on the baking sheet, leaving just a bit of the tops & bottom parts exposed.
4. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is nicely golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes:

*you can easily make fresh breadcrumbs by simply whizzing a few slices of your favourite toast or bread (crusts removed) in a food processor till finely processed. We used sourdough bread and it was delicious, but any soft bread will do!

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serves: 3-4

Recipe created by Matters of the Belly.