Lemony White Beans and Asparagus Stir Fry

 
This is a new dish I invented during my half-hearted SBD attempt last week. The recipe itself is nothing new, but it is the unusual combination that turned out to be a surprise, a good surprise. One of the most popular recipes on this site is the Lemony Kale and Chickpea stir fry. This one is very similar, only difference is that the chickpeas were replaced with white beans and the kale with asparagus. So, is it worth an entire post if it is just the same recipe? Probably not, but I have two reasons why I am devoting a post for this. 1) I am going to India in another week, so as you can imagine, life is very hectic and a simple recipe is all I can manage to type. 2) If I don’t post this, is it a combination that you’d come up with on your own? Hmm… I didn’t think so.

Ingredients

• 1 can pre-cooked cannellini beans (white beans)
• 1/2 lb asparagus
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• salt to taste
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 baby lemon
• Grated Parmesan for garnish, optional

Method

Drain and rinse the beans.

Cut and discard the really tough part of the stalks from the asparagus. Trim the tips from the spears and slice the rest of the thick stalks into think slices.

In a large non-stick pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the shallots and garlic till soft. Add salt and the beans and sauté till the beans starts to turn brown, about 8-10 minutes. These beans are much softer than chickpeas, so be gentle while stirring. Add the red pepper flakes and stir.

Now add the thinly sliced stalks and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the asparagus tips and sauté for 2 more minutes.

Switch off the stove and add the lemon zest and lemon juice and mix well. Season with more salt if needed. Serve warm, garnished with grated parmesan.

This makes a great side for a meat dish on SBD Phase 1. If you are not super hungry, this could even make a meal on its own.

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Category: Asparagus, For Vegetarians, Lentils and Legumes, Phase 1, Side Dishes