Asparagus

Even though Asparagus is a spring vegetable it is available throughout the year thanks to green house and tropical regions. Asparagus has many health benefits. It is loaded with nutrients like folate, vitamin A, C, E and K. It supplies good amount of fiber. It helps in fighting cancer as it has rich source of glutathione a detoxifying compound. It is packed with antioxidants and has ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. It is a brain booster and has anti-aging property and is also a diuretic herb as it contains asparagine at high levels. It is recommended for male infertility too.

Tender Asparagus is edible and cooked in many ways. Asparagus chutney, which is slightly spicy, is tasty and easy to make and supplies less calories.

Ingredients:

1. Asparagus 1 bunch
2. Green chillies 4
3. Garlic cloves 3
4. Minced Ginger ¼ tsp
5. Chana dal ½ tsp
6. Urad dal ¼ tsp
7. Roasted Groundnut 2 tsp
8. Tamarind paste ¼ tsp
9. Mustard ¼ tsp
10. Curry leaves 4
11. Salt
12. Oil

Method:

1.Wash and chop the Asparagus into small pieces. Chop green chillies and garlic. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan. Add chana dal, Urad dal, green chillies one by one and sauté for few minutes. Add garlic, chopped asparagus and little salt. Fry them till the asparagus get tender. Switch off the stove and let it cool.

3. Grind the step 2 ingredients along with tamarind, ginger, groundnut and some water into fine paste.

4. Season it with mustard and curry leaves.

5. Asparagus chutney goes well with chapati, dosa, idli, rotti etc.

Recipe by: Ms. Mamatha Anil @ bhakshyabhojana.blogspot.com