Brown Rice With Fennel And Asparagus Recipes

SUPER-QUICK BROWN RICE WITH ASPARAGUS, CHICKPEAS, AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Pop Trader Joe's frozen brown rice in the microwave, or make a batch of rice the traditional way.
• While rice is cooking, make the dressing by whisking together half of the chopped garlic, tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 3 tbs. olive oil.
• Add the hot water to thin a bit, and then 2 teaspoons salt. Set aside.
• Add 3 tbs. olive oil to a big skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the pan.
• Be sure the chickpeas are completely dry, or they'll spit at you during this next step!
• Add the chickpeas and a sprinkling of salt. Let the beans saute for a couple minutes, until they get a toasty little crust on them.
• Add remaining garlic and onions. Stir for a minute.
• Stir in the asparagus with another pinch or two of salt, then cover with a lid for a minute to steam until the asparagus softens a touch.
• Uncover and stir in the rice and almond slivers, reserving a few almonds for garnish.
• Adjust seasonings, adding more salt if needed.
• Serve family-style in a big bowl drizzled with a few tablespoons of the tahini dressing, letting each person add more dressing to their tastes.
• Watch as this magical concoction disappears before your eyes!

FENNEL RISOTTO

Steps:

• Cut the base off of the fennel bulbs, and cut a cone shape into the base to remove the core. Slice the fennel vertically (lengthwise) into 1/4 inch thick slices.
• Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium heat. Cook onions and fennel in butter for 2 minutes. Stir in the rice; cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. Stir in 1 cup vegetable broth; continue stirring until liquid is almost completely absorbed. Repeat this process with remaining broth, stirring constantly. Incorporating the broth should take 15 to 20 minutes in all.
• Stir in cream, 3 tablespoons Parmesan and parsley, and cook until rice is done and risotto is thick and creamy. Season to taste with black pepper. Divide risotto among 6 bowls, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

RICE, ASPARAGUS AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Combine rice and 1 1/2 cups water in heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until rice is cooked and water has been absorbed, a total of 17 minutes.
• Wash asparagus, and trim by breaking the stem at the point where the tender part meets the woody part. Discard woody part. Cut the asparagus just below the heads, and then cut the remainder of the stem on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Wash and trim fennel, and cut into small pieces.
• Heat oil in nonstick pan, and saute asparagus and fennel until it is tender, 5 to 7 minutes, depending on size of asparagus.
• Wash, dry and chop chives; mince garlic; add chives and garlic to asparagus. When ingredients are tender, stir into rice as it cooks.
• Season with salt and pepper, and serve.