My Culinary Innovations   Asparagus with Poppy Seed Paste Serves: 4 Cooking time: 20 min   Ingredients: All cup measurements refer to a 8 oz cup (1 cup = 8 oz) • Washed & chopped Asparagus – 2 cups • White poppy seeds - ¼ cup • Onion seeds (nigella seeds) – ½ tsp • Dry red chilies – 2 • Green chilies (slit lengthwise) - 3 • Red chili powder – 1 tsp • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp • Sugar – 1 tsp • Roasted white sesame seeds – 1 tsp (optional) • Roasted peanuts (crushed) – 1 ½ tsp (optional) • Cooking oil – 2 ½ tbsp • Salt – as per taste • Water – ¾ cup   Process: • Blend poppy seeds and red chilies with some water, in a blender. Blend to a thick and smooth paste. • Heat oil and toss in the onion seeds & green chilies. Fry for a minute. • Slide in the asparagus, mix and fry for 2 min. • Add the poppy paste and mix. Then sprinkle turmeric, chilli powder, salt and sugar. Mix all and fry further for 2-3 min. • Pour water to the fried ingredients. • Cook till water dries up and the asparagus retain a crunchy taste. Do not overcook. • When done, sprinkle roasted sesame seeds & peanut powder. • Serve the asparagus with steamed rice or Indian breads.   Steps for this recipe Top Copyright © 2008 NATURE DIET CURE All rights reserved.