Spicy Asparagus with Garlic

This is a simple side dish that's quick, easy, and healthy. It's pleasantly garlicky and a little bit spicy. The spiciness may be adapted to your taste with red pepper flakes. For variation, feel fee to add other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, pine nuts, mushrooms, etc.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 150 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• 6 medium Kalamata olives, sliced
• ½ medium lemon, cut into wedges

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add asparagus and blanch until the asparagus turns a vibrant green, about 1 minute. Transfer asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Remove asparagus from the ice bath, drain, and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, just until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Season with pepper flakes, add asparagus, and quickly toss in the seasoned oil. Heat until asparagus is just crisp-tender, not overly soft, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in olives and season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.