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!

Yield: 4 servings

Asparagus with peas and basil

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A springtime explosion of yummy green veggies!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

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 Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 303mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 3g