σπαράγγια-μαστίχα-φέτα-recipe

As I pulled the vibrant, emerald stalks of asparagus from the market bag, I could already imagine them sizzling gently in the oven, merging with the earthy notes of mastiha and the bold tang of feta. This roasted asparagus dish is my delightful escape to the Mediterranean coast, where each bite is a sun-kissed symphony of fresh flavors and zesty lemon.

The way fresh asparagus melds with the rich, salty feta and the aromatic hint of mastiha in my sparked moustáki fáta recipe makes me love it even more. This delectable dish is a medley of texture and flavor, dice and zest underscores the dish’s brightness.

Lethos, a combination of olive oil and garlic, pours into aftermath to make it creamy and utterly delicious.

 Recipe Ingredients

• Asparagus: Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K.Supports digestion and weight loss.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.Antioxidants combat inflammation.
• Feta Cheese: Low in calories, provides protein and calcium.Distinct tangy flavor.
• Mastiha Powder: Unique resin adds subtle pine aroma.Linked to digestive health.
• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, boosts immunity.Adds vibrant tartness to dishes.
• Dill: Aromatic herb with vitamins A and C.Enhances dish with fresh, tangy flavor.

1 Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• • 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 100g feta cheese, crumbled

• • 1 teaspoon mastiha (mastic) powder

• • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• • Salt, to taste

• • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• • 1 garlic clove, minced

How to Make this Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up.

2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the sheet.

3. Ensure an even coat of olive oil on the asparagus by drizzling the oil over them.

4. Dust the mastiha powder over the asparagus, followed by a gentle shower of salt and a few turns of the pepper grinder.

5. Evenly spread the minced garlic over the asparagus.

6. Place the asparagus in the oven that has been preheated to the desired temperature. Allow them to cook for a duration of 15-20 minutes, monitoring closely after the first 10, to ensure they do not overcook. The finished product should be tender in texture and have a golden color. This also works well with other vegetables you may wish to roast.

7. As the asparagus roasts, mix in a bowl: feta cheese, lemon (juice, zest), dill (chopped).

8. After roasting the asparagus, take them out of the oven and set them on a serving platter.

9. Spoon the mixture of feta cheese over the asparagus that has been roasted until tender and serve.

10. Serve straight away as a delectable side or starter. Relish!

Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Small bowl
8. Zester or grater
9. Juicer (optional)
10. Pepper grinder
11. Spoon

FAQ

• • What is mastiha powder, and where can I find it?Mastiha powder is produced using resin from the mastic tree, which is indigenous to the Greek island of Chios, where this tree was cultivated. Mastiha has a delicious taste and an incredible perfumed note in both sweet and savory dishes. You can find it in specialty stores or online.

• • Can I substitute mastiha powder with something else?Mastiha features a unique flavor that is almost impossible to mimic. You could attempt to use a tiny bit of star anise in its place, but you would be left with something that is far from an acceptable facsimile.

• • What is the best way to trim asparagus?Grasp each spear with two hands and flex it until it breaks. This causes the spear to break at its most natural breaking point, which is the place where its tender part meets its woody end.

• • Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?The dish gets its tangy and creamy taste from feta cheese. But if you want to use a different ingredient, goat cheese can be substituted for feta. You’ll get a slightly different taste but still a delicious result.

• • How can I adjust the recipe for more servings?You can double or triple the recipe. Just make sure you adjust the seasoning and keep the overall flavor balance.

• • Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?Yes, this dish is vegetarian because it contains no meat products, only cheese and vegetables.

• • What is the best way to serve this dish?This can be a side dish served warm or a light main course. It goes well with grilled meat or seafood.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta cheese for a different flavor and texture.
You can use a pinch of anise seed or a drop of ouzo if you don’t have mastiha powder. The flavor will be slightly different.
If you don’t have any fresh dill, you can use parsley or fresh basil instead.
You can substitute avocado oil or sunflower oil for olive oil.
Swap out lemon zest and juice for lime to add a slight flavor twist.

Pro Tips

1. Blanch Before Roasting For even more vibrant green asparagus and better texture, consider blanching the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes and then plunging them into ice water before roasting. This step helps retain their color and ensures even cooking.

2. Infuse the Olive Oil Boost flavor by infusing the olive oil with garlic before drizzling it over the asparagus. Gently heat the minced garlic in olive oil over low heat for a few minutes to release its flavors, then use this infused oil to coat the asparagus.

3. Enhance Mastiha Flavor Mastiha powder has a unique flavor that can be intensified by gently toasting it in a dry pan for about 30 seconds before sprinkling it over the asparagus. This enhances its aroma and flavor profile.

4. Add Nuts for Crunch Consider adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to the feta and dill mixture. This addition provides a delightful crunch and complements the creamy feta and fresh dill.

5. Finish with a Drizzle For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a touch of high-quality balsamic reduction or honey right before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy finish that balances the dish beautifully.