Grilled asparagus and lemon rice

Method

1. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a pan large enough to fit everything over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and leek with a good pinch of salt. Gently cook for 12 minutes to soften the vegetables. Add the garlic and cook for a further 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, toss the asparagus in the remaining tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt. Heat a griddle pan over a medium-high heat and grill for about 5 minutes, turning once, until tender. Pull off a spear when you think they’re approaching being done, then slice off a section and eat it. If they need longer, return the spear to the pan and try again in a minute or so. Remove from the heat and slice each spear into roughly four or five sections.
3. Add the rice to the onion pan along with 100ml water to help everything get moving. Stir well but gently to reheat the rice but avoid breaking the grains. Add the asparagus and the lemon juice along with a few good grinds of pepper. Stir to combine.
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4. When the rice is piping hot, spoon onto plates or put the pan on the table for people to help themselves. Add the lemon zest and, if using, cheese to finish.