Asparagus with Pecans and Parm

Steamed asparagus gets dressed with sauteed mushrooms and pecans, then dusted with Parmesan cheese for this elegant side dish.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 170 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 onion, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 bunch asparagus spears, ends trimmed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Steam the asparagus spears in a basket-style steamer over boiling water until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and remove to a serving dish; keep warm.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted (it's ok if it begins to brown), stir in the sliced mushrooms, and cook until they brown, soften, and begin to release their liquid; pour into a serving dish, and set aside. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet, and stir in the onions. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Season with garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped pecans, and cook for a minute more.

Step 3

Sprinkle the onion mixture with half of the Parmesan cheese, and stir in the reserved mushrooms. Pour over the asparagus in the serving dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.