Steamed Asparagus With Almond Butter - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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 peel to shallot mixture and whisk to blend.
Season with salt and pepper.
Steam asparagus until crisp-tender.
(Can be made 1 day ahead; cover butter mixture and asparagus separately; chill).
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 asparagus among plates.