Asparagus And Rice
A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender asparagus, mushrooms, and fluffy rice, seasoned with a hint of cayenne and Tabasco for a spicy kick, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in oil until translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until wet.
- Add fresh asparagus and cook until hot.
- Add chicken broth and quick cooking rice; bring to a boil.
- Cover and remove from heat; let sit until liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can also substitute the quick cooking rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want to add more protein, cooked chicken or shrimp can be mixed in during the last few minutes of cooking. A dash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This asparagus and rice dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as a Ninth Street House California Chicken Salad, for a light and satisfying dinner. You can also garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to help steam it back to life, and heat in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus And Rice contains roughly 263 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 712mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but it may release more moisture during cooking. Make sure to adjust the cooking time so that the asparagus is heated through without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. For a unique flavor, you can also use mushroom broth, which enhances the dish's earthy notes from the mushrooms.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more cayenne pepper or include chopped fresh chili peppers. Additionally, a splash of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, can give it an extra kick, enhancing the dish's overall flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).