CHICKEN SOUP WITH ASPARAGUS AND RICE

Steps:

• In a stockpot, saute the diced onion, celery and carrot in 2 Tablespoons of the olive oil, until the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
• Stir in the rice and add the chicken stock.
• Bring the stock to a simmer, cover and cook on low until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, wash the asparagus and trim off the woody ends. (Throw them away or use them to make vegetable stock for another recipe.).
• Slice the asparagus in 1-inch lengths on the bias, collecting the tips separately (because they cook very quickly and will be added last).
• Heat the remaining 2 Tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet.
• Saute the pancetta and asparagus pieces (not the tips yet) about 5 minutes, stirring as needed. The idea is to soften the asparagus but not cook it entirely.
• Add the asparagus tips and saute an additional minute.
• When the rice in the stock pot is tender, add the lemon juice, diced chicken, and the pancetta/aspargus mixture.
• Bring to a boil; remove from heat.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve.