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Charred Asparagus and Dates

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: asparagus, gluten free, goat cheese, lemon, Medjool dates, mint, radishes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: GFchow @ gfchow.com

Ingredients

  • 3 red or multi-colored radishes washed, dried, trimmed, and thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 bunch medium-sized asparagus about 1 lb., washed, dried, ends snapped and peeled (See NOTES section below)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 8 Medjool dates pitted, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/4s if very large
  • 2-3 ounces fresh goat cheese your favorite
  • 2 tablespoons mint (or basil) coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Toss radishes, lemon zest and juice, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook asparagus in a single layer, undisturbed, until slightly charred underneath, about 2 minutes. Use tongs to turn asparagus and cook an additional 3 minutes until asparagus are crisp-tender and charred in spots, about 5 minutes total. Season asparagus with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Transfer asparagus to a platter.
  • In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook dates, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and beginning to stick to pan, about 2 minutes.

Assembly

  • Right before serving, top asparagus with the radish slices and juice from the bowl and then scatter dates over top. Finish with crumbled goat cheese and mint. Serve!

Notes

For more detailed instructions on how to prep the asparagus, go to the GFchow Snap-'n-Peel Sautéed Asparagus recipe.  Click here to go directly to the recipe.
Other fruit can easily be added to the dish such as orange slices, blueberries, strawberries, etc.
If your asparagus are pencil thin or extra fat, cooking times for the asparagus will need to be adjusted accordingly.
If you're lucky enough to find watermelon radishes, they'd be perfect for this dish.