Roasting asparagus is the perfect way to serve a crowd. You pop them in the oven and you're free to prepare other dishes. You can also control how long you cook them according to taste.
Thin spears of asparagus are younger and milder, while thicker spears are a bit older and will have a stronger flavour.
To prepare the asparagus, snap off the dry woody ends and discard or save for soup stock.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Put rack in top of the oven.
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Season generously with salt & pepper. Squeeze a lemon over top, if you like.
Roast on top rack in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached.