Simply Vibrant by Anya Kassaff is a collection of vegetarian, plant-based recipes inspired by the seasons. The beautiful book includes photography by her daughter Masha, and we're sharing a spring time (it's just around the corner) recipe today. Enjoy!

Spring Vegetable Black Rice Pilaf

This quick and easy dish showcases vibrant spring greens against the dramatic, dark purple grains of forbidden black rice. You can improvise and add or substitute any available spring vegetables here—think fava beans, ramps, fiddleheads, snow peas, or sugar snaps.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1½ tablespoons neutral coconut oil or olive oil
½ green chili or jalapeño, seeded and sliced
2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, sliced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Zest and juice of 1 large or 2 small limes
2 cups vegetable broth or purified water
1 cup forbidden black rice
1 bunch asparagus, tough ends removed, sliced diagonally in about 1-inch pieces
2 cups fresh peas or thawed frozen peas
2 to 3 cups chopped spinach leaves or baby spinach

Directions:

1. Warm the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the chili or jalapeño and stir it around for 30 seconds. Add the leeks and sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

2. Add the garlic and salt and black pepper to taste (add more salt here if using water instead of vegetable broth), and sauté for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Add the lime juice and cook for another minute until most of the liquid is absorbed.

3. Add the broth or water to the pan, increase the heat to high, and bring it to a boil. Add the rice, scattering it over the broth somewhat evenly. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 30 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

4. Add the asparagus to the pot and stir to incorporate. Cover the pot and let the pilaf cook for 7 minutes until the asparagus is crisp and tender. Add the peas, spinach, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until the spinach wilts, then remove the pot from the heat.

5. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Download the printable recipe card here.