Simple side dish recipes: asparagus with confetti vinaigrette

Fresh asparagus was once just a springtime vegetable, but these days it is available year-round. When it's sprinkled with a light and colourful vinaigrette, its uniquely sweet flavour shines through.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes.
• Cooking time: 10 minutes.
• Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 750 g (1 1/2 lb) asparagus
• Salt to taste
• 2 large red peppers, finely chopped
• 2 large yellow peppers, finely chopped
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 10 ml (2 tsp) fresh thyme or 2 ml (1/2 tsp) dried
• 75 ml (1⁄3 c) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) white wine vinegar
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare asparagus. Bring 1 centimetre (1/2 inch) of water to a simmer in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and salt to taste. Simmer until asparagus is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to platter. Keep warm.
2. Wipe skillet dry. Coat with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Sauté red and yellow peppers until tender, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in scallions and thyme and cook 1 minute longer.
4. Stir in broth and vinegar and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle with pepper and pour over asparagus.

• Asparagus is loaded with nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate and potassium. It is also rich in blood pressure-friendly fibre.
• During the 17th and early 18th centuries, King Louis XIV had such a liking for asparagus that it became the rage throughout France, a popularity that continues today.

Each serving provides:

• Key nutrients: 100 calories, 10 calories from fat, 1 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 6 g protein, 21 g carbohydrates, 7 g fibre, 20 mg sodium.
• Blood pressure nutrients: 353 mg vitamin C, 54 mg magnesium, 869 mg potassium, 68 mg calcium.

• Substitute broccoli or cauliflower for the asparagus if your local market is out of spears that look appealing.
• Use the pepper confetti mixture to top grilled chicken or salmon.

Asparagus spears should be firm but tender, with deep green or purplish tips that are closed and compact. Keep this recipe in mind and create a nutritious side dish that pairs well with most dishes.