Asparagus Risotto
+3 photos

Asparagus Risotto

4 servings
Classic asparagus risotto made with Arborio rice, shallots, stock, fresh asparagus, and Parmesan cheese. Serve this recipe as a springtime main dish or elegant side.

Ingredients

  • about 4 cups chicken stock

    or vegetable stock for vegetarian option

  • unsalted butter

    divided

    2 tbsp
  • chopped shallots
    ½ c
  • arborio rice
    1 c
  • dry white wine

    or 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 3 tablespoons water

    ¼ c
  • asparagus

    trimmed, tips cut off, tough skins of the spears peeled, and the spears cut into thin disks, if working with thick apparatus spears

    ½ lb
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese
    ½ c
  • salt and pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the stock in a small saucepan until it comes to a low simmer.

  2. 2

    In a separate 3 or 4 quart saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon butter on medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for a minute or 2, until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring until nicely coated.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Add the white wine. Slowly stir, allowing the rice to absorb the wine.

  4. 4

    Once the wine is almost completely absorbed, add 1/2 cup of hot stock to the rice. Continue to stir until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, adding more stock in 1/2 cup increments. Stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking and stirring rice, adding a little bit of broth at a time, cooking and stirring until it is absorbed, until the rice is tender, but still firm to the bite, about 20 to 25 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    With the last ladle of stock, add the asparagus. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes, until the risotto has absorbed the stock but is still loose and the asparagus are just cooked through.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Turn off the heat. Gently stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

Asparagus Risotto
+3

Asparagus Risotto

4.9(33)45 min4 servings408 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 33 ratings

simplyrecipes.com
4.9(33 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Dreaming of a creamy, comforting dish that celebrates the freshness of spring? This classic Asparagus Risotto delivers sophisticated flavor with a surprisingly simple approach, perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant side dish. You’ll love how easily this recipe brings restaurant-quality tastes right to your kitchen.

What makes this Asparagus Risotto truly special is the harmonious blend of tender-crisp asparagus and perfectly al dente Arborio rice, enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. The meticulous preparation of the asparagus, with its tips cut and skins peeled if thick, ensures a vibrant taste and ideal texture in every bite, avoiding any stringiness often found in less thoughtful preparations.

You can expect a wonderfully smooth and velvety risotto, where each spoonful offers a delicate sweetness from the fresh asparagus and a savory depth from the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The finely chopped shallots provide a subtle aromatic base without overpowering the star ingredients. This naturally gluten-free dish is comforting yet bright, a delightful experience for your palate that feels both indulgent and fresh.

This versatile Asparagus Risotto is easily adaptable to your preferences and pantry. For a truly vegetarian version, simply opt for vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. If dry white wine isn't on hand, a thoughtful combination of lemon juice and water makes a fantastic substitute to brighten the flavors without compromising the essence of the dish. You can also adjust the amount of rich Parmesan to your taste, adding more for an extra cheesy richness in your spring risotto.

Serve this elegant Asparagus Risotto as a show-stopping main dish for a springtime gathering, or as a refined side alongside roasted chicken or fish. Its vibrant green hue and creamy texture make for a beautiful presentation, making any meal feel special and inviting.

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