Steamed Asparagus with Olive Butter

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Butter, garlic, lemon juice, and olives liven up simple steamed asparagus in this easy side dish recipe.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
4 pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

1 Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus cover, and steam until desired tenderness is achieved, 6 to 9 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in olives and lemon juice; heat thoroughly, but do not boil, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3 Place steamed asparagus in a serving dish and pour sauce on top. Garnish with lemon zest and serve warm.