1largeshallotMinced. Reserve about 2 teaspoons of the minced shallot for the yogurt herb sauce
1cuplong grain brown rice
2cupslow sodium vegetable or chicken stock
3teaspoonslemon zest (divided)
1/4cup plus 2 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice (dividedFrom two medium lemons. Reserve the juiced lemons to slice and place under the salmon.
1poundsalmon fillets
salt and ground pepperto taste
1/2poundasparagusTough ends snapped off
1/4cupfresh minced herbs (divided)Any combination of parsley, dill, thyme, oregano, basil, chives. Reserve about half of the minced herbs for the yogurt herb sauce.
Yogurt Herb Sauce
1tablespoonminced shallotreserved from above
1teaspoonlemon zestreserved from above
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juicereserved from above
1/2cupplain Greek yogurtnon-fat or low-fat
2tablespoonsminced herbs reserved from above
1/8teaspoonsea saltor to taste
Instructions
In a large saute pan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallot (reserve about 2 teaspoons for the yogurt sauce) and saute for about 3 minutes or until the shallot starts to turn golden. Add the rice, and let it toast for another 2-3 minutes until it starts to turn golden. Stir the shallot and rice so it doesn't burn.
Add the broth or stock and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the rice mixture and stir to combine. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook at a slow simmer. Set a timer for 35 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, prep your salmon by seasoning it with sea salt and ground pepper. Snap the tough ends off the asparagus.
When the rice has cooked for 35 minutes, place a few lemon slices (from the juiced lemons) over the rice and add the salmon on top of the lemon. Cover and let cook for five minutes.
While the salmon and rice cook, make the yogurt sauce. In a blender, combine the reserved minced shallot, two teaspoons of lemon zest, two tablespoons of lemon juice, yogurt, and half of fresh herbs. Blend until smooth.
Add the asparagus pieces to the pan with the rice and salmon, nestling them into the rice. If the rice seems dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of stock or water. Cover and let cook for five more minutes.
Check the pan to see if the vegetables are tender and the salmon is opaque. Let it cook a few more minutes if needed. You may wish to remove the asparagus if it's finished, to avoid overcooking.
Before serving, remove the salmon and vegetables. Add the remaining minced herbs and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the rice. Taste and season with salt as desired.
To serve, drizzle some of the yogurt sauce over the salmon, rice, and asparagus.
Notes
Check the rice for tenderness as it cooks. Add the salmon when the rice is almost tender but still needs about 10 more minutes.If there is still liquid in the pan after the rice is tender, turn off the heat, but keep the lid on the pan. Let the pan sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid. NOTE: You may wish to remove the vegetables as soon as they're cooked so they don't overcook.