This easy and delicious side dish is perfect with roast chicken, grilled steak, or some spiral sliced ham. You can simmer the asparagus to cook it, or plop it on the grill.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup purchased basil pesto
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, snap the asparagus and discard the ends, or save them for soup. Rinse well and add to the water. Simmer the asparagus for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
In small bowl combine tomatoes, pesto, and cheese and blend gently. Drain the asparagus, add fresh cold water, and bring to a boil again. Simmer for 1-4 minutes until asparagus is crisp tender. Drain asparagus well and add butter. Turn off the heat and let the asparagus and butter sit in the pan until the butter melts. Gently turn the asparagus in the butter to coat.
Remove asparagus to serving platter and top with the cherry tomato mixture.
OR, prepare the asparagus and place on the grill over medium coals. Grill for 5-8 minutes, turning several times, until tender. Place on serving plate and top with butter. Turn asparagus in butter to coat, then top with tomato mixture.
