I discovered the delicate flavours of asparagus as an adult. My mum never cooked it and I’m not sure she has tasted it even to this day. The British asparagus season is short-lived but this year I created this lightly spiced dish that is great either as a starter or as a vegetarian barbecue dish.
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Barbecued Garam Masala Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Grilled asparagus gets a vibrant Indian-spiced makeover.
The perfect side for any summer barbecue.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (230 g) asparagus
- 5 oz (150 g) natural yogurt
- 2 cm cube root ginger - peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander-cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 green chilli - finely chopped
- a pinch red chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 0.2 oz (5 g) fresh coriander - chopped
- 0.5 oz (15 g) butter
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by bending each spear until it snaps and discarding the woody ends.
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger, coriander-cumin powder, salt, turmeric, 0.5 tablespoon lemon juice, garam masala, green chili, chili powder, vegetable oil, and coriander. Mix well.
- Add the asparagus spears and ensure they are fully coated in the mixture. Marinate for at least one hour.
- Melt butter in a small pan over high heat.
- Remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Mix well.
- Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire grate over it. Place the asparagus spears onto the grate, discarding excess marinade.
- Drizzle lemon butter over each spear.
- Place the tray under the grill.
- When the asparagus is lightly charred, turn each spear, drizzle again with lemon butter, and return to the grill.
- The asparagus is ready when lightly charred and still al dente.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, grill the asparagus over charcoal instead of broiling.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Leftover asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a pan or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep asparagus from falling through the grill grates?
Use thicker spears and lay them perpendicular to the grates. A grill basket also works well if you have thinner stalks. 
When should I apply the garam masala to the asparagus?
Toss the asparagus with oil and garam masala before grilling so the spices toast directly on the surface. This brings out the warm, aromatic flavor of the spice blend.
Can I make this in the oven instead of on the barbecue?
Roast the asparagus at 425F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. You will not get the same char marks, but the garam masala will still toast and develop good flavor.
