Asparagus and lemon

This recipe works well with thicker stalks of asparagus and serves two. Get them as fresh as possible. The lemon flavor enriches the dish. I finish up in the microwave to get to the tenderness we enjoy.

Ingredients

Asparagus, 8 stalks

Lemon, 1, cut in half

Olive oil, 1 T

Preparation

Soak the asparagus to remove any dirt. Snap off the bottom end. Drain well on paper towel or a cotton kitchen towel. Heat the olive oil in a broad bottom pan at medium-low heat. Snap each asparagus stalk in two. Add to pan. Cut lemon into quarters. Squeeze lemon juice over asparagus. It will splatter, so take care not to burn yourself. Toss in squeezed lemon pieces. Cover pan, lower heat. Stir and cook for 4 minutes. Remove asparagus from pan and place on a microwave dish. Cover asparagus with a paper towel and microwave for 1 minute.

Serve warm or cold.