Asparagus refreshes your summer

The parched season is passing, and perhaps the scattered spring showers will herald a wetter, if hotter, summer.

We need to work with nature and make sure we are eating and drinking right and asparagus is one of our best choices.

Asparagus is a food that contains a valuable amount of unique carb and may provide our digestive tract with equally unique health benefits.

Here are a few dishes made of asparagus that utilize the best of this ingredient, and most of all, they probably take you less than half-an-hour to prepare. Now, that's fast food but incredibly healthy and refreshing.

Asparagus with walnuts, parmesan and brown butter [Photo/The New York Times]

1.Asparagus with walnuts, parmesan and brown butter

TOTAL TIME

10 minutes Ingredients

1 bunch asparagus (about 3/4 pound), ends trimmed

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, preferably lemon thyme

1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated (1/4 cup)

Kosher salt, as needed

1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Preparation

1. Steam the asparagus until just tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the foam has subsided and the butter turns a deep golden brown, about 4 minutes. (Take care that it doesn't burn.) Stir in the nuts and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon nut mixture over warm asparagus and serve at once.