Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus risotto

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings

This asparagus risotto is perfect to prepare in the spring, or whenever you can get your hands on fresh asparagus. The best asparagus stalks are about a half-inch thick.

The procedure for making risotto involves stirring hot stock into the uncooked Arborio rice, one ladleful at a time and cooking slowly as the stock is absorbed. This technique releases the Arborio's natural starches, making a creamy, velvety dish.

For an illustrated demonstration of the risotto method, here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to make risotto.​

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

  • 1 quart chicken stock

  • 1/2 cup white wine

  • 1 medium shallot, or 1/2 small onion, chopped, about 1/2 cup

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for shaving

  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

  • Kosher salt, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Heat the stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan, then lower the heat so that the stock just stays hot.

  3. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the chopped shallot or onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until it's soft and slightly translucent.

  4. Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir it briskly with a wooden spoon so that the grains are coated with the oil and melted butter. Sauté for another minute or so, until there is a slightly nutty aroma, but don't let the rice turn brown.

  5. Add the wine and cook while stirring, until the liquid is fully absorbed.

  6. Add a ladle of hot chicken stock to the rice and stir until the liquid is fully absorbed. When the rice appears almost dry, add another ladle of stock and repeat the process. Make sure that you stir constantly.

  7. Continue adding ladles of hot stock and stirring the rice while the liquid is absorbed. As it cooks, you'll see that the rice will take on a creamy consistency as it begins to release its natural starches.

  8. Continue adding stock, a ladle at a time, for 20 to 30 minutes or until the grains are tender but still firm to the bite, without being crunchy. After about 15 minutes, add the asparagus and continue ladling and stirring. If you run out of stock and the risotto still isn't done, you can finish the cooking using hot water. Just add the water as you did with the stock, a ladle at a time, stirring while it's absorbed.

  9. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the parsley, and season to taste with kosher salt. Garnish with additional shavings of Parmesan cheese and serve right away.

Tip

  • It's important to stir constantly, especially while the hot stock gets absorbed, to prevent scorching, and add the next ladle as soon as the rice is almost dry.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
181 Calories
8g Fat
18g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 181
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 274mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 5mg 23%
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 257mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)