Asparagus pilaf recipe

A mouth-watering meal for all the family to enjoy. Using fresh asparagus and healthy brown basmati rice, this dish is the perfect healthy option

Ingredients

• 250g brown basmati rice
• 1 bundle asparagus
• 30g unsalted butter
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 3 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 700ml chicken / veg stock
• juice 1/2 lemon
• 3 tbsp flat leaf parsley chopped
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

Method

1. Rinse the rice and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Trim the ends of the asparagus then cut into 3-4 pieces.
2. Melt the butter in a large pan then add the onion, garlic, thyme and spices and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the rice and cook for a further minute, then pour the boiling stock into the pan, cover with a piece of tin foil and place on a tight fitting lid. Cook over a low heat for 25-30 minutes.
4. Place the asparagus spears into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, season with salt and pepper then a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle over the parsley.