My Go-To Asparagus

Asparagus is one of my favorite stovetop vegetables. It tastes amazing and is incredibly easy. This particular way of preparing it will give you a well-cooked, lemon-flavored asparagus dish that makes a perfect side to anything. I will sometimes also turn this into a stir-fry with meat, as pictured left.

For any time you make asparagus, be sure to wash it and rather than cutting the ends off, take each and snap the end off. This way, the not tender, not cook-able part will be disposed of.
Here's what I do with asparagus in a skillet:

1. Put the skillet on high heat and add:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch of asparagus, cut into segments if you choose

2. Let the asparagus cook for a minute, then add:

• the juice of 1/2 lemon
• salt and pepper to flavor
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts- pecans or almonds is what I tend to add

3. Optional additions to this asparagus at this point (as pictured):

• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 1/4 cup minced red pepper
• sausage, chicken, steak, or shrimp

4. There should be enough lemon juice to cover the bottom of the pan but then cook off. Cook all of the above until the asparagus becomes a bright, almost neon green. 

5. Note: Asparagus can definitely be overcooked, it will be almost floppy when it is and probably not taste great. So when you think it may have reached the bright green point, try one. If is tender yet doesn't respond too much to gravity, take it off the heat and enjoy! If it is still a bit too crunchy, let it cook a little longer until it's reached the desired consistency.

6. Also--if you're a fan of polenta, all of these ingredients plus a little cheese can make an incredible polenta dish. Cook these first then add into the polenta with cheese to finish cooking. 

That's all for today! For tomorrow: making zucchini pasta!