Asparagus Thoran

Asparagus is a low calorie and low in sodium vegetable. Here in the U.S asparagus is usually eaten steamed,roasted or sauteed. Being a Keralite we usually take any vegetable and make it into a thoran by adding grated coconut to it. That's how the asparagus thoran and broccoli thoran came into being.LOL. Any thoran goes well with rice or even chapattis. Only young asparagus shoots are eaten and when preparing  it snap off the asparagus ends instead of cutting the end off. Hold an asparagus spear firmly and bend it until it breaks naturally.

Prep Time-10 minutes Actual Cook Time-10 minutes

Ingredients

Asparagus spears-1 lb (cleaned and diced small)

Onion-1 (finely diced)

Green chilly-1

Garlic-4 cloves

Curry leaves-1 sprig

Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp

Grated coconut-1/4 cup

Turmeric powder-a pinch

Oil

Salt to taste

Directions

1.In a non-stick pan take 1 tbsp of oil and splutter some mustard seeds.

2.Next add the diced onion,garlic,curry leaves and green chilly. Cook till the coconut browns a bit before adding the asparagus.

3.Mix everything together,then lower the flame to medium low and cover for 5 minutes

4.After 5 minutes life the cover, season with salt and check the readiness. You want the asparagus to still have a bite to it! Don't overcook it,you'll loose the firm texture of the asparagus.

Enjoy!!!