I couldn’t let the spring pass by without posting at least one asparagus recipe.
The blog world goes gaga for asparagus, but until recently, I wasn’t the biggest fan. Then I discovered that when you grill or roast asparagus, it turns into an entirely different vegetable.
I should have known. I seriously don’t think I’ve ever met a grilled vegetable I didn’t like.
Sadly, we don’t have a grill! Nate and I have to mooch off our friends with outdoor space for things like that. When we’re at home, roasting it is.
I like these tacos because they have so much green in them. Asparagus, avocado, cilantro… so healthy! Just the thing after my cookie-filled weekend.
We enjoyed ours on Monday night with this amaaazing Argyle Nuthouse pinot noir.
We visited Argyle’s tasting room in October and drank lots of their yummy wines. Luckily our local wine store carries a few bottles of theirs… for when we’re feeling fancy.
These tacos are simple and quick to throw together, and taste very fresh. They’re light enough to eat on a warm spring day, but toasty enough to satisfy if it’s still a bit cool where you live.
In the past I have also tossed a chipotle pepper in with the avocado crema. That makes it pretty spicy, though, so be warned! I didn’t include it in the recipe below, because I like it just as well without. And the fewer ingredients the better, right?
My instructions are for roasting the asparagus. If you have a grill, feel free to fire it up! Whether grill or oven, enjoy these perfect springtime tacos.
- 1 lb asparagus, rinsed
- 1 14-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp olive oil, divided
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 avocado
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (I use Fage 0%)
- small corn tortillas
- cilantro, chopped
- Preheat oven to 425. Trim asparagus by snapping off the tough ends. Chop trimmed asparagus into about 1 1/2 inch pieces. Toss with 1/2 tsp olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and spread on half of a baking sheet.
- Toss black beans with remaining 1/2 tsp olive oil, cumin, paprika, and another sprinkle of salt and spread on the other half of the baking sheet.
- Roast until asparagus are tender and beans are crispy, about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- While the asparagus and beans roast, prepare the avocado crema. In a food processor or blender or with a fork, whip together the avocado, lime juice, and Greek yogurt until well combined and creamy.
- To serve, heat corn tortillas and fill with beans and asparagus. Top with avocado crema and chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy!
Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies says
Me and tacos… we’re best friends. These sound incredible. I never ever would’ve thought to put asparagus in tacos, but it sounds super tasty.
Erica says
I’m getting pretty close with tacos lately, too – I’ve been making them with everything!
Joshua Hampton (Cooking Classes San Diego) says
I love these tacos. Their simplicity is just wonderful. Just looking at the pictures made me crave for them.
Julia {The Roasted Root} says
You had me at taco. I love this veggie taco and the avocado crema is singing to me loud and clear. I’ll have to try some Argyle wines next time I’m in Oregon…mmmm!
Natalie says
These tacos looks awesome! I love that you made them crispy and added asparagus for some healthy greens!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I have roasted chickpeas before (SO GOOD!), but have never thought to roast black beans. Awesome idea :).
Erica says
Yum, I love roasted chickpeas, too. Those are on the menu for this weekend actually!
Daphne @ VeggieStyle with Daphne says
Didn’t know that roasting beans was an option. Definitely going to give this a try with that yummy dip sauce. Great pics!
Erica says
Thanks Daphne!
Sarah @ makingthymeforhealth says
You’re right, it is hard to avoid asparagus right now since it’s in season. I roasted some and ate it with pasta over the weekend and it was delicious. I love that you roasted it with black beans and made tacos- so creative! Who cares if it makes your pee stink, it tastes so good!! :)
Erica says
Yum, sounds delicious with pasta! I bet Nate would like that – pasta and pizza are his most-requested dinners :)
Becky @ Olives n Wine says
My husband is a huge taco fan and I’m a lover of anything having to do with asparagus so I think this recipe is perfect for us! I love that you roasted both the beans and the asparagus. I would have never thought to do that :)
Christine @ Gotta Eat Green says
Awesome recipe! I love grilled asparagus. I’ve never thought to put it in tacos though. Clever.
Katie @ Blonde Ambition says
I think asparagus and zucchini have to be my fave non-winter veggies to grill or roast! Love the idea of roasting black beans, I’ve done it with chickpeas but black beans are my favorite so I’m always trying to incorporate them in different ways :)
Anna {Herbivore Triathlete} says
Roasted asparagus is probably one of my top favorite vegggies! This looks really tasty Erica.
Dad says
Yum. This was super easy to make and delicious. I liked the mix of favors very much.