Jasmine Rice Mushroom Salad Recipe - Authentic Thai Dish

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw jasmine rice, rinsed
• 1 fresh stalk lemongrass, cut into 3 or 4 pieces
• 1/2 fresh chile, seeded and minced
• 1 tsp canola or other vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 3/4 cup low-fat or regular coconut milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Dressing
• 1/4 cup low-fat or regular coconut milk
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 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
• 1/2 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