Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Pistachio Gremolata (steam oven).

Appliance: Convection Steam Oven

One of the strengths of the convection steam oven is the Steam Mode—for obvious reasons. While this oven does a lot more than just steam, the ease of steaming, poaching, and blanching food is one of its best qualities. However, steaming vegetables is not revolutionary. In fact, most of us are aware that steamed vegetables are one of the most healthy accompaniments to a weeknight dinner. Steaming retains the original vitamins and minerals in fruits and veggies while softening fibers making them more digestible. But let’s be honest, sometimes steamed veggies can fall short. Often they’re overcooked, under-seasoned, and can be watery (I’m looking at you steamer basket). The convection steam oven makes this process seamless, fast, and produces perfectly tender vegetables.

This steamed asparagus recipe is one of my favorites because of its effort to flavor ratio. The asparagus is quickly steamed in the oven to ‘al dente’ (don’t you dare overcook those veggies), then topped with a flavorful gremolata that takes a couple minutes to throw together. Pistachios give this dish a nice crunch, a splash of lemon provides some tang, while chopped herbs give a fresh, herby flavor. Not only is this recipe perfect for a non-boring weeknight dish, it’s also impressive enough to serve to company.

Serves 4
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb asparagus, trimmed

1/2 cup herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill (we use a combination)

2 tablespoons shallot, minced

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for serving

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Combine shallot, lemon juice, and a large pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in olive oil, then stir in pistachios, parmesan cheese and chopped herbs. Taste for seasoning then set aside.

2. Preheat your steam oven to Steam Mode > 210°. Put the asparagus on the perforated oven pan. When the oven is preheated, steam the asparagus until tender, about 4-8 minutes depending on asparagus thickness.

Tip: If you aren’t sure how long your asparagus will take to steam, periodically check the doneness of your asparagus every 2 minutes.

3. When the asparagus is done, transfer to a serving dish and top with the gremolata mixture. Drizzle with additional olive oil and serve.