Asparagus Stir-Fry with Grapefruit and Almonds

(NC)—Wintertime ‘comfort’ meals are often rich and heavy and therefore unkind to our digestive systems. Finding healthy, nourishing recipes that energize can help reduce the sluggish factor we are prone to in the winter months. The citric acid in grapefruit for instance, promotes an alkaline environment in the body, which is an ideal state for absorption of nutrients and minerals and fighting off fatigue or illness.

“Heavy foods tend to make us feel worn down in the winter and we’re left feeling continuously tired”, says Lydia Knorr, a registered dietitian with the Florida Department of Citrus. “But adding fresh fruit or vegetables, such as Florida grapefruit to recipes infuses meals with rich nutrients like vitamin C, fibre and potassium, and enhances the flavour of winter fare.”

Try the following recipe, which fuses the complimentary flavours of grapefruit and asparagus – ingredients that are both delicious and loaded with goodness for healthy winter meal options.

Asparagus Stir-Fry with Grapefruit and Almonds

Ingredients

• 1 large pink Florida grapefruit 
• 1 (15 mL) tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) slivered almonds 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1-lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
• Pinch salt

Directions

Cut grapefruit in half. Squeeze juice into measuring cup to make about 1/2 cup (125 mL). With small spoon, scrape pulp from grapefruit into separate bowl to make about 1/2 cup (125 mL). Set aside.

Swirl oil into large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat. Stir-fry almonds and garlic until golden-brown, about 30 seconds. Add asparagus and salt; stir-fry 1 minute. 

Add grapefruit juice and 1/4 cup (50 mL) water. Cook asparagus, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Stir in reserved grapefruit pulp.

More information on cooking with Florida grapefruit can be found online at www.floridacitrus.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Sources:

“Grapefruit” http://digestion.ygoy.com/sleepy-after-eating/