Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This mouthwatering Greek-inspired dish combines the smoky char of grilled asparagus, the rich, golden-brown Saganaki cheese, and the unexpected crunch of crispy capers. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 200g Saganaki cheese
- 1/4 cup capers
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus, usually about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- In a small bowl, combine the capers with a drizzle of olive oil. This will help them crisp up when cooked. Set aside.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- While the grill is heating, pat the Saganaki cheese dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut the cheese into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Once the grill is ready, toss the asparagus with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange the asparagus on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- While the asparagus is grilling, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the capers and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become crispy and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- After the asparagus is cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter. Keep warm.
- In the same grill pan, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and place the Saganaki cheese slices on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly melted.
- Once the Saganaki is cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on the platter with the asparagus.
- Finally, sprinkle the crispy capers over the grilled asparagus and Saganaki. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and the asparagus is vibrant. Enjoy your BBQ Asparagus and Saganaki with Crispy Capers!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best grilling results.
- Pat the Saganaki cheese completely dry before grilling to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a cast-iron grill pan or outdoor grill for the best grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Watch the capers carefully when crisping - they can burn quickly!
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and the asparagus is vibrant to maximize flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- If you can't find Saganaki cheese, halloumi makes an excellent substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 228kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
