The colorful nutty dish is sure to stir your creativity … substitute broccoli for the asparagus or add carrots and mushrooms.

Asparagus Cashew Stir-Fry
Preparation and total time: 20 minutes

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon canola oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup cashews
1 teaspoon sesame oil
4 cups hot cooked brown rice

In a large nonstick skillet, saute the asparagus, onions, red pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Combine the cornstarch, broth, soy sauce and ginger until blended; gradually stir into the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Reduce heat; add cashews and sesame oil. Cook 2 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with rice.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information per serving: (about 2/3 cup asparagus mixture with 1 cup rice): 406 calories; 13 g fat (2 g saturated); 0 mg; 847 mg sodium; 64 g carbohydrate; 8 g fiber; 12 g protein.