Lunch Box Menu - Asparagus Rice Recipe

Asparagus is rich in so many nutrients such as folate, Fiber, Vitamin C,K,A,E and available during Spring season. Also it is packed with Antioxidants and it contains anti ageing properties. I came to know about this veggie once after I started my life in USA. Then started to make some recipes like Asparagus curry, Asparagus Rice, etc... using this vegetable. The cooking time is very less and it  makes a perfect lunch box Recipe with nutrition packed.

Ingredients :

1. Cooked Rice - 4 Cups.
2. Asparagus - 1 Bunch.
3. Onion      - 1 Medium or Shallots( Small Onion) - 10 Nos.
4. Ginger/Inchi-  Small Piece.
5. Garlic/Poondu -  3 - 4 Cloves.
6. Carrot - 1 No.
7. Bell Peppers/Capsicum - 1 No.
8. Pepper Powder/Milagu podi - 1 Tsp 
9. Green chilli/Pacha milagai - 1 or 2.
10. Oil- 1 Tbsp

How to clean and chop Asparagus : 

• While buying, make sure that the Asparagus is with tender stems. Hard stems, won't taste good.
• Wash the Asparagus and discard the thick part of Asparagus as shown in the picture.
• Chop into lengthwise small pieces.

Steps : 

1. Cook the rice, apply some sesame oil in a plate and spread the rice on it.

Click here for How to cook Rice.

2. Heat a pan/Kadai and add oil.

3. Once it is hot, add green chilies followed by ginger and garlic.

4. Let it cook for a minute.

5. Add chopped onions and cook till it is translucent.

6. Add carrot and let it cook for 5 minutes.

7. During all these process, keep the flame medium to low.

8. Add capsicum and Asparagus.

9. Cook for 7 to 8 min, make sure they wont turn mushy.

10. Add Pepper and Salt .

11. Switch off the flame and mix the Rice gently.

Notes : 

1. Paneer ButterMasala/Peas Paneer Curry will be a perfect combination for side dish.

2. Any Potato based gravy will also taste good.