Lemony Rice with Asparagus
Bright, zesty, and effortlessly satisfying, Lemony Rice with Asparagus is the perfect dish to celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients. Combining tender long-grain white rice with crisp asparagus, fragrant garlic, and a burst of citrus from fresh lemon zest and juice, this recipe delivers a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite. A touch of parsley adds freshness, while the optional parmesan cheese brings a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and nutritious side dish doubles as a light main course. Perfect for spring gatherings or weeknight dinners, it's a simple one-pan recipe that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (optional), grated
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season with black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat.
Gently fold the cooked rice into the asparagus mixture until well combined.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese, if using.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
177 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.6 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 579 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.4 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 293 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
