INGREDIENTS

• 1 large bunch (about 1 pound) fresh asparagus
• 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Zest and juice of ½ medium lemon, preferably organic
• Lemon wedges, from the remaining ½ lemon
• Sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Small handful fresh mint, finely chopped
• Light sprinkle of red pepper flakes

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus (if you sharply bend the asparagus near the base, it will snap in the right place). Discard the ends.
2. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the asparagus on the sheet and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the asparagus. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the asparagus, and toss until the spears are lightly coated in oil. Arrange the spears in a single layer on the pan.
3. Bake until the asparagus is tender and roasted to your desired level of doneness or extra for crispy.  Very thin asparagus, like the kind shown here, will take as little as 10 to 12 minutes, whereas thicker asparagus will need 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and season however you'd like. You could keep it simple with a squeeze of lemon juice, or just Parmesan, or add a pat of butter or drizzle of balsamic vinegar.