Wasabi Roasted Asparagus

It's difficult to imagine a better way to revive palates starved of local produce for months than the first appearance of asparagus in the markets, and as long as this noble and elegant vegetable is available locally, I'm never without a bunch or two on hand.

Sweet, tender and delicious all on its own with just a little sprinkle of sea salt, one of the many charms of asparagus is its demand to be treated in the simplest fashion with a minimum of fuss, bother or cooking, and paired only with a small handful of other classic flavors like eggs, cheese, butter, lemon, fresh herbs or black pepper.

This simple dish is ready from refrigerator to plate in just 15 minutes, with tamari, wasabi and sesame serving as a basic Asian-style flavor companion for the asparagus as well as performing a delightful spicy contrast with the natural sweetness of the vegetable. The tamari and wasabi collect to an especially strong effect at the tips of the asparagus, which you'll want to save for last when you're eating them.

If you don't have some already, I urge you to buy a traditionally brewed tamari sauce made from slow-fermented soy beans instead of anything marketed as just soy sauce, which are usually made with 40-60% wheat as well as quick hydrolyzed soy protein and caramel coloring. Good tamari sauces are wheat-free, contain more digestible proteins, and taste so much better than ordinary soy sauces that you'll never go back. Fortunately, they're also widely available these days from reputable suppliers like San-J or Eden Foods.

Wasabi Roasted Asparagus

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on May 29, 2009 Spears of asparagus roasted with spicy wasabi and sesame — an easy and delicious spring side dish Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh asparagus 1/2 tablespoon water 1/2 tablespoon (soy) tamari sauce 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 3/4 to 1 teaspoon wasabi powder, or to taste 1 teaspoon sesame seeds Instructions: Preheat an oven to 425°. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and arrange the spears on a baking sheet. Mix the water, tamari sauce and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. Stir in the wasabi, a 1/4 teaspoon at a time to create the desired spiciness. Brush the sauce over the asparagus, making sure to coat all the sides. Roast the asparagus for 10 minutes, turning the spears over once and sprinkling over the sesame seeds after 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Makes 2 to 4 servings

If you liked this recipe you may also enjoy these asparagus suggestions:
Asparagus and Oriental Tamari Dressing with Pine Nuts
Wild Rice and Asparagus Salad
Fried Halloumi Saganaki and Asparagus
Asparagus and Feta Cheese Frittata