Basmati Asparagus Rice Recipe

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Basmati Asparagus Rice recipe! A simple yet elegant side dish that perfectly complements any protein. Tender asparagus spears meet fluffy basmati rice in a light and aromatic broth, ready in under 40 minutes.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 212.8 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Basmati Asparagus Rice 62

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basmati Asparagus Rice

  • Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • Zest of 1 orange

How to Make Basmati Asparagus Rice

  1. Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken stock, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup of water, and 1 minced garlic clove to a boil.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling liquid, stir gently, and return to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. While the rice simmers, clean 1 pound of asparagus and cut it on a bias into 1/2-inch pieces.
  6. Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the asparagus and the zest of 1 orange.
  7. Cover the saucepan and let it stand for 5-8 minutes, allowing the asparagus to steam while the rice cools slightly.
  8. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately. Garnish with extra orange zest, if desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

9g

Fat

2g

Carbs

13g