Asparagus and peas with basil

Asparagus and peas with basil is an explosion of springtime flavors in a fast, easy side dish.

This side dish just ushers in spring for me! It mixes all of those early spring favorites – asparagus, peas and basil – with some shallot sautéed in a little butter and oil to bring all those fabulous flavors together. Such crisp, fresh flavors. A perfect way to awaken the senses after winter and to bring on the veggies. I can’t get enough!

And you know me, if one green vegetable at dinner is good, two is double the fun! This also comes together in no time, so it’s a cinch to make on a busy weeknight. Pair it with brown rice or fast “baked’ potatoes and your favorite baked or grilled chicken, and you are eating well tonight.

You could certainly add extra butter or top it with some Parmesan if you like. And if you’re a basil freak like me, sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle away. I can’t control myself around basil. More, more, more, please!

(And, by the way, I ate this whole plate. No, really. All of it. Did I mention I have a bit of a veggie addiction? Not to mention portion control problems…)

Big fresh flavors, easy side dish. A win-win. Enjoy!

Asparagus with peas and basil

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Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

Serves 4 servings     adjust servings

A springtime explosion of yummy green veggies!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (if using frozen, rinse them under warm water for a minute to thaw them out a bit)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or more!)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shallot and saute until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add asparagus and saute for 3-4 minutes, until it's bright green and slightly tender.
4. Add peas and stir to heat through. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
Amount Per Serving	As Served
Calories 64kcal Calories from fat 21
% Daily Value
Total Fat 2g	3%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Transfat 0g
Cholesterol 3mg	1%
Sodium 242mg	10%
Carbohydrate 9g	3%
Dietary Fiber 3g	12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 3g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:

	Calories	2000
Total Fat	Less than	65g
Sat Fat	Less than	25g
Cholesterol	Less than	300mg
Sodium	Less than	2,400mg
Total Carbohydrate		300g
Dietary Fiber		25g