– ¼ cup slivered almonds or chopped (optional) – 3 pounds pf fresh green asparagus [1.2 kg] – 3 tablespoons of olive oil – 3 tablespoons of onion flakes – 4 garlic cloves crushed – ½ teaspoon cumin seeds freshly-ground, or cumin powder – 2 tablespoons of minced flat parsley – 1½ quart of vegetable broth – 1½ teaspoon salt (or more, to taste) – ¼ teaspoon of black pepper freshly-cracked, or ground, (or more, to taste)