Broiled Asparagus

One of my favorite ways to fix asparagus is to broil it.  Broiling is a quick and easy way of cooking and imparting flavor to meats and vegetables.  This recipe would be perfect for your Easter table!


2 bunches asparagus, woody ends trimmed off (I like to snap one piece where it naturally bends and then line up all the other pieces and trim them all up together but if you want to snap each piece individually, be my guest.)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
*1/4 c. parmesan cheese (optional)

Place oven rack on top notch and preheat the broiler.  Line a heavy duty baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.  Lay the asparagus on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and toss to evenly distribute.  Broil for 5-7 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus.  You want to see some caramelization but you don't want the asparagus burned.  If more time is needed (for thicker asparagus spears) you may want to pull the pan out of the oven and toss the asparagus and continue to cook for 30 second to 1 minute intervals until the asparagus has reached the desired doneness.

*  If desired, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and continue to broil for 30 to 45 more seconds until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serves 6 (56 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com