This asparagus recipe could be the easiest and most elegant summer starter you ever make

Asparagus garlic and bay leaves on a plate with green and white gingham tablecloth underneath and pink floral napkin next to it.

Make the most of this seasonal ingredient by elevating it with gorgeous, fragrant ingredients as a stylish starter for your summer lunches. This asparagus recipe with bay, garlic and lemon is light, crunchy and flavorful.

It can be prepared in advance or served in a tray straight from the oven to suit you. We like this Made In Baking Dish, with it's subtle blue rim for oven-to-table recipes, where everyone can dig in.

Ingredients

• 4 bunches asparagus
• 8 bay leaves
• 6 cloves garlic; skin on, smashed
• 1 lemon; zest and juice
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil

The Homes & Gardens method

(Image credit: Future)

1. Place all ingredients together in roasting tray
2. Cook in a hot preheated oven (around 350-390ºF) for 8 mins
3. Allow to cool if preferred or serve immediately

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Keen on the idea of growing your own? Here's how to grow asparagus from seed or crown. And if you like the look of this asparagus recipe and you're after more light starter ideas, you'll find lots of lovely salad recipes on the site, too.