Asparagus and lemon risotto

 

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 Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and cut in 1/4-inch (.5 cm) dice
  • 1 1/4 cups (275 g) risotto rice**
  • 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine or stock
  • 1 quart (4 cups/1 liter) vegetable or mushroom stock
  • 1 pound (.5 kg) fresh asparagus, tough ends removed and cut into 2-inch (4 cm lengths)
  • Juice and finely grated zest from one lemon
  • 1/3 cup (75 ml) grated parmesan cheese (or a vegan substitute), optional
  • 4 ounces (100 g) butter or vegan margarine
  • salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION:

* Use a type of rice specifically designated for risotto, such as arborio or carnaroli.)

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the rice and stir to mix. Sauté briefly (a minute or two) until the rice shiny and appears translucent.

Add the wine (or 1/3 cup/75 ml stock) and stir until completely absorbed.

Add the stock gradually in half-cup (125 ml) increments. Stir regularly until the broth is nearly absorbed (you can hear a faint sizzling noise) before adding more. After 10 minutes mix in the asparagus.

When done the rice should be al dente, tender with just a hint of firmness in the center. If you've run out of broth and the rice is still not done, you add additional water or vegetable stock in half-cup (125 ml) increments until the rice is done.

Add lemon juice and zest, butter (or margarine) and parmesan/vegan substitute (if desired) and stir to mix.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.