Persian Rice with Saffron and Asparagus - Food Fam Recipes

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice ((washed several times, then soaked in water for 30 minutes))
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions ((thinly sliced))
• 3 cloves garlic ((thinly sliced))
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 large tomatoes ((diced, or use 3 cups canned, diced tomatoes))
• 1/2 tsp saffron ((mixed with 1/4 cup of any non-dairy milk and set aside for a few minutes))
• 14 oz super firm tofu ((optional. If using cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes))
• 1 pound asparagus ((tough ends trimmed, and tender parts cut into 1/2 inch pieces))
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste