Steamed Asparagus with Almond Butter

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
1 to 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 pound asparagus
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Procedure

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy small skillet over low heat.

2.Add shallots and garlic and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Pour into a medium bowl.

3. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter, parsley, lemon juice and peel to shallot mixture and whisk to blend. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

4. Steam asparagus until crisp-tender. (Everything to this point can be made 1 day ahead. Cover butter mixture and asparagus separately; chill.)

5. Place butter mixture in heavy large skillet over medium heat.

Add almonds and cook until butter browns, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add asparagus and stir until heated through.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide asparagus among plates.

Serves 6.

From Williams-Sonoma Collection

Last updated: March 30, 2007