Prepare to elevate your vegetable game with this mind-blowing Asparagus in Gorgonzola Sauce - a dish so luxurious, it'll make you forget you're eating something healthy! Imagine tender, bright green asparagus bathed in a rich, velvety Gorgonzola cream sauce that transforms an ordinary side dish into a restaurant-worthy culinary masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet experience, this Italian-inspired recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus, about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom, to ensure they are tender.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed asparagus and blanch for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, until it has slightly thickened.
- Once the cream has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the cream, creating a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate skillet, you can quickly sauté the blanched asparagus over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, just to warm them through and enhance their flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice texture.
- Once the asparagus is heated, remove it from the skillet and arrange it on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle the warm Gorgonzola sauce generously over the asparagus, ensuring each piece is coated. You can garnish with additional crumbled Gorgonzola or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy your delicious Asparagus in Gorgonzola Sauce as a delightful side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green spears with tight, compact tips for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanching Technique: Don't overcook the asparagus! The key is to keep them bright green and slightly crisp. The ice bath immediately stops the cooking process and helps maintain their vibrant color.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add Gorgonzola to the cream gradually and on low heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Optional Enhancement: Quickly sautéing the blanched asparagus adds a subtle caramelized flavor and warm temperature to the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the sauce is warm to enjoy the full depth of the Gorgonzola's rich, tangy flavor.
- Garnish Options: Sprinkle extra crumbled Gorgonzola or fresh cracked black pepper for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
