Recipe: Chinese-style asparagus

Dietitian's tip: Distinctively rich in flavor, asparagus is a good source of vitamin C, folate, iron and copper. To prepare asparagus for cooking, hold a piece of asparagus in the middle. Grab the cut end and bend it downward until the cut end snaps off. The asparagus will break in the right spot to remove its woody end.

Low sodium = no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving

Low fat = no more than 3 g of fat per serving

SERVES 6

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, woody ends removed and cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the water, sugar and soy sauce over high heat. Cook until boiling, and then add the asparagus. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.