Chili-Rubbed Tilapia With Asparagus & Lemon

It is asparagus time in America. The stores produce section is full of this wonderful vegetable.  I planted 10 roots of asparagus last spring, unfortunately only a few of them made it through the winter.  Here is my first stalk coming out of the ground.

I hope I get more than this one stalk, but if not the grocer can keep me supplied. I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy this vegetable. This week I found a recipe supplied by Eating Well. Not only is it delicious it is extremely easy to prepare and only has 210 calories per serving. That what I call a WIN-WIN!

CHILI-RUBBED TILAPIA WITH ASPARAGUS & LEMON

4 servings/Active time: 20 minutes/Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 pounds of asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1 pound tilapia, Pacific sole or other firm white fish fillets

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Put asparagus in a steamer basket, place in the pan, cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large plate, spreading out to cool.

2. Combine chili powder, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt on a plate. Dredge fillets in the spice mixture to coat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook until just opaque in the center, gently turning halfway, 5 to 7 minutes total. Divide among 4 plates. Immediately add lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and asparagus to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the asparagus is coated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve the asparagus with the fish.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 210 calories; 10 g fat; 1 g sat; 1 g mono; 48 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 24 g protein; 4 g fiber; 418 mg sodium; 645 mg potassium

I sometimes worry about using lemon juice - that it might overwhelm the food.  That is not the case here. The lemon enhances the flavor of both the fish and the asparagus making this a light and clean tasting dish.

Life is good - enjoy!