In addition to being a quick-cooking vegetable, asparagus is incredibly rich in nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamin C, fiber, and a variety of antioxidants. This flavorful recipe is a perfect accompaniment to lean meat or fish.

Broiled Asparagus With Lemon-Shallot Dressing (Phase 1)

Description
Broiling lends a lightly caramelized taste to the asparagus, while the drizzle of tangy shallot vinaigrette adds the right flavor contrast. To trim the asparagus, slice off just the end of the tough stem.

Makes 4 servings

Start to finish: 30 minutes

Ingredients
1 bunch thin asparagus spears, trimmed (about 1 pound)
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and black pepper
1/2 small shallot, minced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
Preheat broiler. Place oven rack in top position, about 4 inches from heating element. Lay the asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the oil; season with salt and pepper and roll spears to coat. Broil, about 8–10 minutes, until asparagus is tender and lightly browned, shaking the pan halfway through cooking to turn spears. Transfer to serving platter.

In a small bowl, whisk shallot, lemon juice, lemon zest, tarragon, mustard, a tablespoon of water, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil. Drizzle over asparagus; season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Nutritional information
46 calories
5 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
1 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
0 g fiber
78 mg sodium