Jasmine Rice Mushroom Salad Recipe - Authentic Thai Dish

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups raw jasmine rice , rinsed
• 1 fresh stalk lemongrass , cut into 3 or 4 pieces
• 0.5 fresh chile , seeded and minced
• 1 tsp canola or other vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups boiling water
• 0.75 cup low- fat or regular coconut milk
• 0.25 tsp salt
• Dressing
• 0.25 cup low- fat or regular coconut milk
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil , preferably thai basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or mint , optional
• vegetables
• 1 medium-sized red or orange bell pepper
• 8 oz (227 g) asparagus
• 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms , such as oyster , cremini, shiitake, moonlight or a combination
• 2 tsp minced or pressed garlic
• 2 tsp grated fresh gingerroot
• 1 tsp freshly grated lime peel
• 0.5 fresh chile , minced and seeded
• 2 tsp canola or other vegetable oil
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped fresh basil for garnish
• Roasted peanuts or cashews , optional