Simple Asparagus March 25 2014

Asparagus is one of those produce I tend to overlook.  Perhaps it's in my memory that they tend to be very tough with lots of fiber.  It's difficult to find young, thin ones.  I finally came across some this week at the farmer's market so I was happy to pick up a couple bunches.  It's nice to include a variety in your diet, but sometimes it's difficult since grocery stores near by are limited in their organic selections.  

I made these for dinner and realized how much I do like asparagus.  When you find some younger shoots, they really are tasty and easy for your chew!  Below I would like to share a very simple recipe on making this dish.  Sometimes it's the simplest things in life that makes one feel content.

Ingredients:
1 bunch of young asparagus
2 slices of lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1-2 cloves of garlic sliced
fresh grind pepper of your choice (I used rainbow peppers)
3-4 tablespoons of water

To make:
Wash and clean the asparagus and let the water dry a bit.  To break off the tougher portion of each one, use one hand to hold the end of the asparagus and the other hand on the middle and bend.  The part where the toughness starts will break off.  Do this to each one and you can save the tough part to boil in water and make a light soup if you like, but in this recipe you are only going to use the soft part.

Place a pan on the stove, set heat to medium then pour some olive oil inside.  When the oil is warmed add garlic.  Remember not to set the heat too high as olive oil can smoke at a lower temperature than some other oils.  When garlic starts to soften and brown a little add asparagus.  Turn asparagus every now and then and let it cook for a couple of minutes until soften a bit.  Add a little bit of water that's just enough to layer the pan then place lid over the pan.  Let it cook for approx. 2 mins.  Remove lid to check if asparagus are softened.  It's all in your preference here.  I like mine pretty soft on the outside, but still has a light crunch.  I don't like making my food mushy soft.  This quickly steaming process helps to bring more green color in the vegetable out as well.  When these are cooked to your desire softness, turn off the heat.  Squeeze some lemon juice, sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top and it is ready to serve!