Mysty PfefferThe month of May in the Ohio Valley brings forth really nice asparagus patches. The flavor and health benefits of asparagus make it a star side dish or main meal in our house. Caramelized carrots and asparagus with walnuts is an easy delicious way to enjoy this springtime vegetable.
Although, I love eating and preparing this vegetable, I don’t have great success growing it in my garden. Hopefully, that will change as I read about the ph. of soil, fertilizing, and appropriate harvesting. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my local grocer’s variety and whip up this recipe for my family
What’s God Put’s In The Garden is Good
As I think about the nutritional value of asparagus, I think about our loving Creator placing just the right amount of folate in our food for us to thrive. There are 89 micrograms per cup, which is 22% of a lady’s daily requirement. (1) If combined with a cup of black-eyed peas half of the daily requirement for folate is met…NATURALLY. Why is this important?
Pay attention, heavens, and I will speak; listen earth, to the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew; like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants. For I will proclaim Yahweh’s name. Declare the greatness of our God! The Rock-His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just, A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true.
Deuteronomy 32: 1-4
We all have a folate receptor 1 gene (FOLR1) which need this B vitamin to transmit information through the membranes of our cells. It repairs DNA, regulates gene expression, protein production, and is vital for nerve impulses and transmission. (2) No wonder spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beef liver and black-eyed peas are so valuable!
They provide the natural form of folate absorbed by the intestines and utilized by our bodies to continue the necessary functions of our cells. Without it we are more susceptible to depression, dementia and chronic disease.
Caramelized Carrots & Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 Bundle Fresh Washed and Chopped Asparagus
- 3 Organic, peeled and sliced Carrots
- 2 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts
- 2 Tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp. Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, add 1 cup water with the sliced carrots and minced garlic. Cover and bring to a simmer. Watch it closely and stir until all the water is almost boiled off, add the olive oil, stir well until the carrots are tender and just caramelized. Add the asparagus, seasoning and walnuts. Leave uncovered and stir frequently to keep it from sticking, about 5 minutes is all you need to steam the asparagus. Serve immediately as a main dish or special side!
Nutrition
So, enjoy your caramelized carrots and asparagus dish and feed your cells at the same time!
References:
(1) FOLR1 gene. MedlinePlus 2014. FOLR1 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics
(2) US Department for Health and Human Services. Folate – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
