Asparagus with Croutons and Chorizo

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Ingredients

1. 1 pound large, thick, firm asparagus, lower third of the stalks peeled with a vegetable peeler
2. 1/4 cup good olive oil
3. 4 ounces chorizo, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
4. 1-1/2 cups 3/4-inch bread cubes (croutons), preferably from a baguette or country bread loaf
5. 1/4 cup whole almonds
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Cut each asparagus stalk into 3 or 4 pieces. At serving time, heat the oil in a large skillet until very hot. Add all the ingredients except the salt and pepper. Cover and sauté over high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, tossing or stirring the mixture a few times, so it browns and cooks on all sides. Add the salt and pepper, toss again, and serve on warmed plates.