Asparagus Risotto

It's asparagus season and fresh asparagus is so good, I want to use it any way I can. There's a farm across the road from us and they have their fresh asparagus for sale. I had some for breakfast the other morning and wow. You forget what really fresh asparagus tastes like after so long! What a difference. If you're buying it now, here's one delicious way to use it. This risotto is a little different from a lot of vegetable risottos because instead of just adding the asparagus at the end, you puree some of it with the stock. This makes for a richer flavor. It's delicious!

Asparagus Risotto

serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of asparagus
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carnaroli or arborio rice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
• zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

Cut the tips from the asparagus and set aside. Cut the woody ends off the asparagus so you have just the nice stems left.

In a pot of boiling water, cook the tips for about one minute and then plunge in an ice bath.

In the same pot of water, boil the stems until they are soft, about 8 minutes. Drain.

Place the stock in a saucepan and add asparagus stems. Insert an immersion blender and blend. ( If you don't have an immersion blender, you'll have to do it in a blender). Bring the stock to a low simmer and just keep warm on the stove.

Heat the olive oil in a risotto pan or any heavy saucepan. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes, but do not brown. Add the rice and cook for a minute. Add the wine.  Stir in a ladleful of the stock and stir, with a spatula. Every time the stock is absorbed, add another ladleful or two. Keep stirring so the risotto does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Keep adding stock and stirring until the risotto is cooked, about 30 minutes, to your taste.

Take off the heat and add the cream, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and asparagus tips and gently blend.

For a longer discussion about risotto, you can refer to my previous post about how to make risotto.

Comments

[cook eat FRET]

some mighty nice asparagus shots happening there... beautiful.

ok ok - this is the second asparagus risotto. i gotta do it and i WILL be reading your longer post on the topic...

BECAUSE I BELIEVE YOU KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE DOING

oops cap lock
not yelling
sooooory

[the italian dish]

Thanks, Claudia - this is a really great version of risotto - very fresh tasting and light. You'll love it.

[Kristin]

I'm a new reader of your blog, and I just have to say that it's great. Lovely photos, wonderful recipes, and the voice of a true food lover.

Thank you for this resource you're providing!

[the italian dish]

Kristen:

Grazie!

[Proud Italian Cook]

Thats a great tip to puree some of the asparagus with the stock, it must taste rich and delicious! Great photo's too!!

[Terry B]

I've always been, well, if not exactly afraid of risotto, then put off by the constant stirring aspect of it. But lately I've come across a number of low-stir risottos. That and the allure of asparagus make me think I need to try this one. Beautiful, beautiful photos, by the way.

[the italian dish]

terry b: Don't be afraid of the stirring! Yes, you shouldn't let the risotto stick to the bottom of the pan, but just pour yourself a glass of wine and stir every few minutes. Better yet - give whoever you're cooking dinner for a glass of wine and make them stir while you tend to everything else!

[Susan from Food Blogga]

I really like the idea of pureeing the asparagus in the stock. I'm sure that it does lend an especially delicious flavor. Spring time risotto is my favorite.

[David]

I made this along with your tuna stuffed tomato recipe and really enjoyed it. I had to use Orzo rice but I cooked it as risotto. Worked out great.

Thanks

[Tom]

I just came across this site yesterday when a friend sent me the link. All I can say is "wow." Your photos are beautiful and your site is wonderful. I made this asparagus risotto last night and it was delicious. The idea of pureeing the asparagus stems with the broth is brilliant! And I love the fact that out of a few simple ingredients I was able to create something with such depth of flavor. Brava cuoca!

[Vincenzo]

This was my first time making risotto and this was spectacular! Such a wonderful blend of simple flavors. This is one of the many things I have made of yours and everything is outstanding.

[[Elaine]]

From The Italian Dish:

Thank you Vincenzo! Made my day!

[Maria]

Great recipe! I'm going to try it tonight. Can I add chicken to make it a main dish?