Steamed Asparagus With Almond Butter

From Bon Appetit. A little fancier way to serve asparagus than just the traditional steamed or roasted method. Asparagus is steamed and topped with a lemon almond butter that is seasoned with shallots, garlic and parsley. Delish! Note that cooking time includes time required to steam the asparagus.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8

Ingredients

• 8  tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3  tablespoons shallots, finely chopped
• 1  large garlic clove, minced
• 3  tablespoons parsley, chopped (fresh)
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2  teaspoons lemon peel, grated
• 2  lbs asparagus, fresh, trimmed
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds

Directions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy small skillet over low heat. Add shallots and garlic and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Pour into medium bowl. Add remaining 6 tablespoons butter, parsley, lemon juice and lemon peel to shallot mixture and whisk to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Steam asparagus until crisp-tender. Set aside.
3. Place butter mixture in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and cook until butter browns, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add asparagus and stir until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper; divide among plates and serve.