Recipes Ingredients Pasta and Grains Rice Recipes Leek-and-Asparagus Crispy Rice 4.0 (2) Close Credit: Ren Fuller Prep Time: 30 mins Total Time: 40 mins Servings: 4 This recipe is a masterclass in how mixing textures can elevate a simple, weeknight dinner to new and delicious levels. By giving the rice a few minutes in a hot skillet to form a crackly crust, you're creating little nuggets of crunch to disperse throughout the bowl. Leeks take on a buttery quality once cooked, melting into fluffy rice and crisp-tender asparagus. Lastly, an egg—fried just until the yolk can be used as a silky sauce—becomes the crown on top of a most excellent vegetarian rice bowl. Directions Heat butter and 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in asparagus and 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until asparagus is bright green and just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, and cook until most of liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl. Return skillet to high heat; swirl in 1 tablespoon oil. Spread rice in a single layer; cook, undisturbed, until crisp in places, about 4 minutes. Stir in leek mixture, lemon zest and juice, peas, cheese, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with more cheese and herbs, topped with a fried egg.