Risotto with asparagus

Asparagus Risotto: A Green Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

At the heart of every refined meal lies perfectly cooked risotto, and today I invite you to discover a sensory recipe for asparagus risotto, a dish that combines creamy textures and fresh flavors. This recipe not only satisfies the desire to enjoy a delicious main course but also pays homage to seasonal ingredients, particularly Romanian asparagus.

Asparagus, with its delicate flavor and crunchy texture, is a versatile ingredient often associated with spring meals. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering significant health benefits, including supporting the immune system and digestion. Additionally, consuming asparagus can help maintain healthy skin and eyes.

Today's dish is easy to prepare, but it requires a bit of patience and attention to achieve the perfect creamy and flavorful risotto. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 30 g butter (or 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil)
- 500 ml beef broth (ideally homemade for an authentic flavor)
- 500 ml water from boiling asparagus
- 300 g round-grain rice (I recommend Scotti Colossal rice)
- 150 ml dry white wine
- 50 g quality parmesan (Garan Padano from Galbani is an excellent choice)
- 5 asparagus spears, pre-cooked
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of one lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Asparagus
To start, gather the five asparagus spears along with the thicker ends that are not used in the preparation. Boil them in a pot with about 600 ml of water for 10 minutes. This step will not only provide an unmistakable flavor to the dish but will also create a delicious base for the risotto. After boiling, strain the liquid and discard the ends. Cut the asparagus into suitable pieces to integrate evenly into the risotto.

2. Preparing the Broth
In another pot, heat the beef broth. Mix it with the liquid obtained from boiling the asparagus so that you have about 1 liter of liquid. It is essential for this broth base to remain warm throughout the risotto preparation to avoid interrupting the cooking process of the rice.

3. Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet, melt the butter (or olive oil if you prefer a vegan option). Over low heat, add the finely chopped onion and let it soften for 5-7 minutes. It is important for the onion to become translucent without taking on too much color to avoid affecting the final taste of the dish.

4. Heat the Rice
Increase the heat to medium and add the rice. Sauté it, stirring continuously, for a few minutes until the grains become translucent. This technique will help the rice absorb the liquid more evenly, resulting in a better outcome.

5. Add the Wine
Pour the dry white wine into the skillet and continue to stir over medium-low heat until all the liquid is absorbed. This step will add a complex flavor to the risotto, and the alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind only the rich taste of the wine.

6. Incorporate the Broth
Now the magic of cooking risotto begins! Add a ladle of warm broth to the skillet and stir constantly. Wait until the liquid is completely absorbed before adding the next ladle. Repeat this process until the rice becomes soft but with an al dente texture - this should take about 18-20 minutes.

7. Add the Asparagus
Once the rice is ready, add the cooked asparagus pieces. Gently stir to incorporate them, allowing the risotto to simmer for a few minutes to heat through.

8. Finalizing the Dish
Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste. Add the grated parmesan and lemon zest, providing a fresh and aromatic accent. Carefully mix everything, then let the risotto sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Asparagus risotto is delicious served as a main course but can also be an elegant side dish for fish or lean meat. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color. Additionally, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving can add a touch of refinement.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of asparagus risotto contains approximately 450 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates from rice, protein from parmesan, and fiber from asparagus. This recipe is not only comforting but also healthy, with a balanced nutrient content.

Possible Variations
If you want to explore, you can replace asparagus with other seasonal vegetables such as peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. Additionally, the risotto can be enriched with fresh herbs like dill or tarragon to give it a distinct flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use long-grain rice?
Risotto is best cooked with short or medium-grain rice, such as Arborio or Colossal, to achieve the characteristic creamy texture.

2. How can I make the risotto creamier?
In addition to parmesan, adding a splash of cream or butter at the end helps create an even richer texture.

3. What wine is best for risotto?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is ideal for complementing the flavors of the risotto without overwhelming them.

Consider this asparagus risotto an opportunity to bring a touch of spring to your plate, combining fresh ingredients with traditional cooking techniques. Enjoy every bite and relish the cooking process!