Sesame-Ginger Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs thin asparagus, trimmed and cut on the bias into 2" pieces
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger or ground ginger
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Makes 4 Servings

1. Bring 1/4" water to a boil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the asparagus and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and cool briefly under cold running water. wipe skillet dry with a paper towel.
2. Heat the canola oil in the same skillet over high heat. Add the asparagus, ginger, soy sauce and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in he sesame oil and sesame seeds.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. I needed a healthy and flavorful side dish with an Asian theme and this looked perfect. Asparagus is a great side dish and can be used in any ethnic meal. The red pepper flakes give the asparagus a nice kick of heat. I would highly recommend serving this side dish with an Asian meal. Iron Chef Morimoto will be very happy.