ASPARAGUS AND FAVA BEANS WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

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Asparagus and Fava Beans with Toasted Almonds image

This vibrant yet simple side dish celebrates early-spring produce like tender asparagus spears and fresh fava beans. A bright and lemony dressing compliments the grassy flavors of the vegetables, while chopped toasted almonds add texture and richness. Serve alongside roasted salmon for an easy, elegant Easter brunch.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 pounds fresh fava beans, shelled
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound asparagus, tough ends removed
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest (removed in long strips) of 1 lemon
1/2 cup raw almonds, toasted and chopped

Steps:

  • Blanch fava beans in a pot of salted boiling water just until tender, about 1 minute. Transfer to an ice-water bath. Blanch asparagus in pot until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes; transfer to ice-water bath. Drain vegetables. Remove outer skin from fava beans (you should have 1 cup). Pat asparagus dry.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Swirl in oil, then add garlic and fava beans and season with salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is softened, 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer beans to a plate with a slotted spoon. Let skillet cool slightly, then whisk lemon juice into oil in skillet; season with salt and pepper. (Add more oil if dressing is too tart.) Add asparagus; toss to coat with dressing.
  • Combine almonds and lemon zest in a small bowl. Transfer asparagus to a platter, top with fava beans, and drizzle remaining dressing in skillet over top. Sprinkle with almond-zest mixture and serve.

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