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5* Asparagus w/ Balsamic Tomatoes + Variations

Source of Recipe

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5* Asparagus w/ Balsamic Tomatoes + Variations

Myrecipes.com
Cooking Light - April 2011 - Laura Zapalowski,
44 reviews rate this recipe 5 Stars!
4 servings
Total time: 20 Minutes

This Asparagus with Balsamic Tomatoes recipe is a quick and easy side dish for a warm spring or summer night.

Ingredients:
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:
1. Cook asparagus in boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and garlic; cook 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar; cook 3 minutes. Stir in salt. Arrange asparagus on a platter; top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper.

Variations:
Raisin and Pine Nut variation: Omit tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and goat cheese. Cook 1/3 cup sliced red onion and 2 tablespoons pine nuts in oil for 4 minutes. Add 2-1/2 tablespoons orange juice, 3 tablespoons raisins, and 2 teaspoons honey; cook 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon orange rind. Spoon over asparagus; sprinkle with pepper. Yield: 4 servings.
Calories 111; Fat 5.3g (sat 0.6g); Sodium 151mg

Sesame-Ginger Glazed variation: Omit oil, tomatoes, vinegar, salt, cheese, and pepper. Microwave 1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger, and garlic on HIGH for 2 minutes. Drizzle over asparagus; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges. Yield: 4 servings.
Calories 43; Fat 0.8g (sat 0.1g); Sodium 134mg

Lemon-Tarragon variation: Omit tomatoes, vinegar, and cheese; decrease pepper to 1/4 teaspoon. Combine 1/8 teaspoon lemon rind, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons chopped tarragon, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon minced shallot, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and oil. Drizzle tarragon mixture over asparagus; toss gently to coat.
Yield: 4 servings
Calories 49; Fat 2.3g (sat 0.3g); Sodium 153mg

1/4 of recipe equals: Calories 69; Fat 3.9 g (Satfat 1.4 g, Monofat 2 g, Polyfat 0.3 g); Protein 3 g; Carbohydrate 6.5 g; Fiber 2.1 g; Cholesterol 4 mg; Sodium 181 mg