Rice with Asparagus

Rice with Asparagus is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines tender asparagus spears with fluffy rice, creating a light yet satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a springtime dinner, bursting with fresh flavors and nutrients.

Ingredients

• Long grain rice - 1 cup
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Asparagus - 200 grams, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat until it comes to a gentle simmer.
3. In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
6. Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the asparagus and mix well.
7. Pour the simmering vegetable broth over the rice and asparagus, then add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the broth.
9. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from asparagus, supporting immune health.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.

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