Ginger Sesame Stir-fried Asparagus

 

This side dish is infused with flavors of the Orient. The vibrant red bell peppers, coupled with the kelly green asparagus, will put a smile on your face and bring a little sunshine to these cold winter days! The hint of sesame oil and ginger adds a nice surprise to every bite. This is an easy side dish that sure beats the same old steamed broccoli or roasted baby carrots. It is the perfect accompaniment to the Indonesian Ginger Chicken or Indonesian Pork Tenderloin.

 

Source: P. Allen Smith's Seasonal Recipes from the Garden (Given by Sarah Bourgeois)

 

You Will Need:

• 1 1/2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh ginger
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste

 

Here We Go:

• Bring a 1/4 inch of water to a boil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat
• Add the asparagus pieces and return to boil
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for five minutes, or until crisp-tender
• Drain the asparagus in a colander and run it briefly under cold running water to stop the cooking
• Drain it again
• Wipe the skillet dry with a paper towel
• Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over high heat
• Add the bell peppers and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes, or until just tender
• Add the asparagus, ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2 minutes or until heated through
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sesame oil and sesame seeds
• Turn out onto a platter, serve warm

 

Serves 6 as a Side

Happy Feasting!

Happy Hour Friday: Somersault Ale

Somersault New Belgium Ale is the perfect beer for these final hot days and crisp, cool nights. We have loved having this beer around while we cooked out with friends and had crackers with cheese sitting on our porch.  It is easy on the palette and goes well with pretty much anything. Flavors of ginger and apricot come together for the perfect party for your taste buds. Enjoy this seasonal beer before it is too late!