Asparagus Beans and Greens Salad: 38 Power Foods - #2 Asparagus

Hectic.  That is the only way to describe life right now.  I'm trying to eke out some time for writing here, but I think that writing and reviewing for the thesis is winning a little bit right now.  I think it will be better once I move over to the new house and reduce my anxiety, which has been heightened by not knowing exactly what day it is happening!  So my cooking has been simple, fast, and summery.  And thus, my interpretation of this last week's power food was a lemony salad with asparagus, chickpeas, edamame, and green peas.

Asparagus is a power food because it contains high levels of folate, potassium, vitamin A, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin K.  Combined, it is thought that asparagus is great for detox, protecting against birth defects and cancer, reducing inflammation, and preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.  It is also considered an aphrodisiac just because of its phallic shape.  Fun fact - asparagus in French is asperge, which is a slang term for penis.  Note to self: must pick up a dirty French dictionary if I ever want to head to a French market.

Lemon, grated garlic, and tumeric flavor the fast vinaigrette over blanched asparagus, rinsed chickpeas, and defrosted edamame and green peas.  I almost feel virtuous eating this salad, everything is green, bright, and healthy!  Plus, because it is a vinaigrette salad without any lettuce it is a great take along to a summer party.

Here are the other ladies who played with asperge this week . . . (I couldn't resist)

Alyce - More Time at the Table,  Ansh - Spice Roots
Jeanette - Jeanette’s Healthy Living, Jill - Saucy CooksMartha - Simple-Nourished-Living, Mireya - My Healthy Eating Habits
Sarah - Everything in the Kitchen Sink, Casey - Bookcase Foodie

Roasted Chickpeas

This was a lovely addition to my roasted eggplant soup as protein-packed croutons, but these would also be a perfect finger food at any party.  The chickpeas are roasted until browned and crispy then salted and covered in spice while still warm.

Chickpea and Jicama Citrus Salad

I'm a poor grad student and meat is expensive, so I try hard to get protein into my diet in other ways.  My go to is chickpeas - in salads, dips, or crisped up with spices.  For this salad, I combined the chickpeas with crunchy jicama and colorful bell peppers and then dressed it with a citrus dressing.