Cajun Rice with Asparagus and Mushrooms

After coming to Melbourne, my culinary world has opened up to so many new ingredients – some of which I did not even know existed in this world. And one among those is the purple asparagus! I have had green asparagus before and have always enjoyed the crunchy texture of these stalks. So when I came across these purple ones at the local farmer’s market, I knew I had to try and make something interesting with it.

I have always had asparagus as an accompaniment, roasted or blanched, with meats. I went ahead and did a rice dish, chopping these beautiful asparagus along with some brown mushrooms and seasoned with hot Cajun seasoning. The result – a pilaf, pulao or fried rice; name it what you want.

This one is a simple and easy to make rice dish, perfect for weekday dinners. Add a cucumber raita/yoghurt dip and you are good to go!

Now, let’s get cooking….

Print Recipe

Cajun Rice with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Course: Main Course

Ingredients

• Long-grained rice – 2 cups soaked and drained
• White onion – 1 large chopped
• Purple asparagus remove the bottom ends – 4 stalks, chopped
• Brown mushrooms – 4 large chopped
• Garlic – 2 cloves chopped finely
• Coriander leaves – ½ cup finely chopped
• Cajun seasoning – 2 tsp add more to suit your taste preferences
• Salt – to season
• Black pepper – to season
• Vegetable oil – 3 tbsp

Instructions

• Cook the rice in salted boiling water, drain well and keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and onions; sauté for a minute.
• Then add the mushrooms and asparagus and sauté for another 2 minutes on high heat.
• Lower heat and season with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Remember that the rice has been cooked in salted water so add salt accordingly.
• Add coriander leaves and stir well.
• Add the rice and mix well to combine.
• Serve with chilled cucumber raita/yoghurt dip.