Remember those busy weeknights when the clock seems to tick faster, and dinner feels like a distant dream? I certainly do. Balancing work, family, and the endless to-do list often leaves little room for elaborate cooking. That's where this Creamy Asparagus Rice recipe swoops in to save the day—or rather, the evening. Picture this: you, a hungry household, and a bowl of steaming, creamy goodness ready in a flash. This isn't just food; it's a hug in a bowl, created with the magic of the Instant Pot.
Asparagus, with its delicate flavor and nutritional punch, blends beautifully with the comforting simplicity of rice. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that the rice is cooked to perfection – fluffy, tender, and never mushy. The creamy element comes from a simple yet elegant sauce that elevates this dish from basic to brilliant. Whether you're serving it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or enjoying it as a light, vegetarian meal, this Creamy Asparagus Rice is a versatile and satisfying choice.
Required Equipments
- Instant Pot
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Creamy Asparagus Rice (Instant Pot): Frequently Asked Questions
Creamy Asparagus Rice (Instant Pot)
Whip up a luscious Creamy Asparagus Rice in your Instant Pot for a quick, easy, and delightful side dish or light meal. This recipe delivers tender asparagus and perfectly cooked rice bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce, all achieved with minimal effort!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough ends. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): Turn on your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Add olive oil or butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the rice and chicken or vegetable broth to the Instant Pot. Stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Asparagus: Gently stir in the chopped asparagus into the rice mixture. Try to spread it evenly on top. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' function and set the timer for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the pressure release valve to the 'Venting' position. Be cautious of the steam!
- Stir in Creaminess: Open the Instant Pot and gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). The heat from the rice will melt the cheese and warm the cream, creating a luscious sauce. If you want it thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry(1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Turn on saute mode for a minute or 2 until it thickens.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and coconut milk, and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- If you dont have long-grain rice, feel free to use what you have. However, the water ration may need to be adjusted slightly. For example, if you are using brown rice, you may need to add up to 2 cups of broth.
- Add extra veggies: Mix in peas, mushrooms, or chopped spinach with the asparagus for added nutrients and flavor.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more complete meal.
- For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular broth.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 80 mg
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