Steamed Asparagus with Balsamic Butter and Pine Nuts
Recipe type: Side Dish
Serves: 3-4
- 11/2 tablespoons pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 1 pound asparagus, tough ends peeled or snapped off
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- Place a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts or slivered almonds. Toast the nuts on the dry skillet, stirring constantly, until they are lightly browned and begin to smell toasty, 3 to 5 minutes. (Be careful not to overtoast them, as they will burn very quickly once toasted.) Remove the skillet from heat and immediately transfer the nuts to a heatproof dish. Set the dish aside to let the nuts cool completely.
- Place the asparagus in a steamer basket, set over 1½ inches boiling water, and cover. Steam until the spears are tender-firm, 4 to 7 minutes depending on thickness. Remove spears from the water and arrange on individual plates.
- Combine the melted butter and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. Pour this mixture over the asparagus and sprinkle on the toasted nuts. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.
Recipe by Oakmont Farmers Market at https://www.oakmontfarmersmarket.org/2005/07/steamed-asparagus-with-balsamic-butter-and-pine-nuts/
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