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Skeletal Fingers

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This roasted white asparagus dish, playfully known as skeletal fingers, offers a sophisticated and slightly eerie aesthetic perfect for seasonal entertaining. White asparagus has a delicate, milder flavour and softer texture than its green counterpart, making it a prized vegetable in European cookery. When roasted with plenty of garlic and a touch of olive oil, the spears take on a beautiful golden colour while remaining tender to the bite.

As a naturally vegan and gluten-free side dish, this recipe is an excellent addition to a healthy plant-based menu. The bright finish of fresh lemon juice and fragrant thyme leaves elevates the savoury notes of the garlic. Serve these elegant spears warm as a conversation-starting starter or as a nutritious accompaniment to a main course during the spring or autumn months.

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Ingredients for Skeletal Fingers

  • 450g white asparagus spears, rinsed and trimmed

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Kosher salt to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 1/2 lemon for squeezing

  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

  • Olive oil

How to make Skeletal Fingers

  1. Preheat oven to 204°C. Line a roasting pan with foil and drizzle with olive oil.

  2. Place asparagus in pan and drizzle liberally with olive oil. Roll the spears back and forth until they are completely coated.

  3. Sprinkle on minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

  4. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork.

  5. Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over top, and garnish with thyme leaves if using.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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