Recipe: Asparagus with hazelnuts and seasoned currants

Fresh asparagus with hazelnuts and seasoned currants

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6 to 8

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2 tablespoons hazelnut or extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound fresh young asparagus, trimmed (or frozen green beans, defrosted)

Salt, pepper

1/4 cup to 1/3 cup hazelnuts

1 1/2 cups dried currants

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

11/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 1/4 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

3 garlic cloves, minced

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the hazelnut oil. Roll the asparagus in the oil to coat well and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and one-eighth teaspoon pepper, or to taste. Place the pan in the center of the oven and roast until a sharp knife easily pierces a spear, 10 to 15 minutes, tossing occasionally.

2. While the asparagus is roasting, place the hazelnuts in a single layer in a baking pan. Place the pan in the oven with the asparagus and toast the nuts until they are a rich brown color and are fragrant, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove the nuts and immediately pour them onto a large, damp towel. Rub the nuts with the towel to loosen and peel the skins. Coarsely chop the nuts (you can also place them in a large sealable plastic bag and pound with a mallet to break up the nuts).

3. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped hazelnuts, currants, olive oil, vinegar, thyme, garlic and one-eighth teaspoon pepper, or to taste. Place the asparagus on a serving platter and top with the currant mixture. Serve immediately. The asparagus can be prepared up to 3 hours in advance: Cover the asparagus tightly with plastic wrap and chill, then return to the roasting pan to briefly reheat before serving.

Each of 8 servings: 238 calories; 3 grams protein; 23 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 17 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 19 grams sugar; 298 mg sodium.