Addictive Asparagus Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 ounces pancetta, diced into 3/8 - 1/4 inch pieces, or bacon crumbles, nitrate free
• 1 tablespoon butter, grass-fed and organic is best
• 1 pound asparagus, woody ends trimmed, sliced into 2 inch pieces on the bias
• 1 ¼ cups leek, thinly sliced crosswise (white and pale green parts only), or onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds or almonds
• 1-2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

VEGETARIAN VERSION:

For a vegetarian version, substitute sun dried tomato, thinly sliced, for pancetta/bacon, and avocado oil for butter.

DIRECTIONS:

In a large non-stick pan, sauté pancetta (bacon or sundried tomatoes), stirring frequently, over medium heat, until crisp and lightly golden. Add 1 tablespoon of butter (or avocado oil) to pan. Add asparagus pieces and leek/onion and sauté until asparagus is tender crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, lemon and orange zest, toasted nuts and parsley and sauté for about 1 minute. Season to taste with freshly ground pepper and salt and serve immediately.  Serves 4.

Make a meal of it by adding in diced, roasted chicken or another protein of your choice.

Psst, we adapted kaykay’s recipe found here, https://food52.com/recipes/4023-absurdly-addictive-asparagus