Meatless Mondays: Awesome Asparagus Eats
3 reasons to get your asparagus fix now--before the peak season is over:
1. It has only 5 calories per spear, zero fat and cholesterol, and almost no sodium. Talk about a dieter's dream!
2. It is one of the most concentrated veggie sources of protein: 1 cup offers about 10% of your daily protein and fiber needs--a one-two punch that helps keep you full longer, so you can avoid overeating.
3. It has more glutathione--one of the most powerful cancer fighters--than any other fruit or vegetable. Glutathione also helps your body absorb nutrients and slows down the aging process.
Photo by Lisa Hubbard
Shopping Tip: Look for bunches with tightly closed buds on top--and eat them right away, because the nutrients fade fast.
Get the recipes:
Penne with Asparagus, Mint and Pistachios
Asparagus, mint and pistachios are a perfect combination in this 30-Minute Meal from Rachael Ray. Pair this dish with a glass of grassy and bright Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect anytime-meal.
This one skillet dish is a fine choice for a light breakfast-for-dinner meal or an easy brunch for a crowd. Serve this dish with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for an easy 20-minute meal.
White Asparagus Bread Salad with Hollandaise
When asparagus stems are shielded from the sun (usually under a mound of soil), they grow into white asparagus, which is milder and slightly sweet, with a silky-smooth texture. Store 1/2 cup of leftover hollandaise dressing in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Spinach Pasta with Asparagus Pesto
Go green with this green pasta in green sauce 30-Minute Meal by Rachael Ray! Get creative by adding in your own combination of parsley, mint, tarragon, basil or any of your other favorite herbs into the asparagus pesto.
Tortilla-Crusted Goat Cheese-and-Asparagus Quiche
Substitute the usual buttery pie crust for healthier whole wheat tortillas in this B, L or D--breakfast, lunch or dinner--quiche. Throw in some of our other favorite Meatless Monday veggies like mushrooms, edamame or eggplantto pump up the nutritional value even more!
