Roasted Asparagus with Warm Bitters Mayonnaise

[donotprint]It’s Spring!  Time to indulge in asparagus, and time to try something new. The vegetables for this tasty side dish can be cooked in an iron frying pan, or on a stovetop griddle, on the barbecue, or roasted in the oven. Because I prefer “cooking simply”, I go the stovetop route. But I will never sacrifice flavor. That’s where my love affair with Angostura bitters comes in. It is a flavor game changer. Really.[/donotprint]

[print_link]

Roasted Vegetables with Angostura Mayonnaise Drizzle

(or simply… Angostura Mayonnaise  See bottom of page) *

Angostura Mayonnaise Drizzle for Roasted Vegetables
1/2    cup mayonnaise
2       Tbsp. grated pecorino Romano cheese or tangy Parmesan
1       Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1       tsp. grated lemon peel
1       tsp. Angostura aromatic bitters

Whisk together mayonnaise, grated cheese, lemon juice, lemon peel, and 1/2 to 1 tsp. Angostura bitters; set aside.  Note: If you have not used Angostura bitters in food before, start with 1/2 teaspoon in the mayonnaise. Taste, then stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon if desired.

Roasted Vegetables
1 – 2   lbs. asparagus, green beans, or broccoli rabe
1/4    cup olive oil
2       Tbsp. soy sauce
1        Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1        tsp. Angostura aromatic bitters

Rinse vegetables and drain well. Break off tough ends from asparagus. Remove stems from green beans. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and 1 tsp. Angostura bitters. Brush liberally on vegetables; let stand 15 minutes.

Heat a large iron fry pan over medium heat. Place vegetables in pan in a single a layer. Cook about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. (The time depends on how thick the vegetables are.) Turn and cook 3-5 minutes more or until tender. Cook in two or three batches, as needed. To serve, warm up Angostura mayonnaise in microwave for just 15-30 seconds; stir well. Drizzle over hot vegetables. Garnish with lemon peel.

Makes 8 side-dish servings.  Nutrition information per serving with 2 lbs asparagus:
190 calories, 3g protein, 6g carb, 17g fat, (2.5g sat. fat), 5mg chol, 380mg sodium, 2g fiber

                                                 Recipe and photos by Rita Held for Angostura USA

* Like mayonnaise?!
Make the mayonnaise only, do not warm it up though, and use it as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies (photo below).  And/or use it in sandwiches instead of plain mayonnaise. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for weeks, well covered.