Best 8 Springtime Asparagus Risotto Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, risotto stands as a crown jewel, captivating taste buds with its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and versatility. This springtime asparagus risotto is a symphony of flavors that celebrates the season's bounty. Fresh asparagus, with its tender spears and delicate flavor, takes center stage, while a creamy arborio rice base provides a rich and comforting foundation. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth of flavor, while white wine lends a subtle acidity that brightens the dish. Whether you're a seasoned risotto aficionado or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe will guide you through the steps of creating a perfect risotto, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving the ideal consistency. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

SPRING ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Spring Asparagus Risotto image

Creamy asparagus risotto, cooked with fresh herbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano and a touch of lemon. Perfect Spring meatless main dish or wonderful topped with grilled shrimp or scallops.

Provided by Gina

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 tsp olive oil
1/3 cup shallots (chopped)
1 cup arborio rice
2 oz dry white wine
3/4 lb thin asparagus spears (tough ends trimmed, cut 2-inches long)
1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (plus more for serving)
salt and fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
1 tsp grated lemon zest for garnish

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, heat broth over medium-high heat.
  • When it boils, reduce heat to a simmer and maintain over low heat, taste for salt and adjust as needed.
  • In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil and add the shallots; sauté 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the rice; mix well so the rice is coated throughout and saute until the rice is slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the wine and stir until it is absorbed.
  • Add a ladleful of the simmering stock; stir and wait until it is absorbed before adding another ladleful stirring gently and almost constantly.
  • Continue this process until the rice is creamy, tender to the bite, but slightly firm in the center.
  • Add the asparagus along with the last ladle of broth and continue cooking 5 minutes, total time should be about 25-30 minutes from the time you started.
  • When all the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  • Serve immediately and top with fresh cracked pepper, lemon zest, and extra grated cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 generous cup as a main, Calories 255 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 630 mg, Fiber 2 g

SPRING GREEN RISOTTO



Spring Green Risotto image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 47m

Yield 4 servings for dinner, 6 servings for appetizer

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
1 cup chopped fennel
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2/3 cup dry white wine
4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 pound thin asparagus
10 ounces frozen peas, defrosted, or 1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably Italian
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for serving

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
  • When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
  • Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Asparagus Risotto image

Classic asparagus risotto made with Arborio rice, shallots, stock, fresh asparagus, and Parmesan cheese.

Provided by Elise Bauer

Categories     Dinner     Side Dish     Asparagus     Rice     Risotto

Time 45m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 8

About 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1 cup arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 3 tablespoons water)
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed, tips cut off, tough skins of the spears peeled (if working with thick apparatus spears), and the spears cut into thin disks
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the stock: Heat the stock in a small saucepan until it comes to a low simmer.
  • Add the wine: Add the white wine. Slowly stir, allowing the rice to absorb the wine.
  • Stir in the Parmesan, remaining butter, add salt, pepper: Turn off the heat. Gently stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544 kcal, Carbohydrate 75 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 20 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 873 mg, Sugar 8 g, Fat 17 g, ServingSize Serves 2-3 as a main course, or 4 as a side, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

LEMON ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Lemon Asparagus Risotto image

Lower in fat than most risotto recipes but no one will know! I like to serve this as a main dish under some steamed halibut or other white fish.

Provided by stefychefy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Rice     Risotto Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

20 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup arborio rice
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest

Steps:

  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
  • Heat chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat; keep at a simmer while preparing risotto.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and celery until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in garlic and arborio rice; cook and stir until rice is lightly toasted, about 5 more minutes.
  • Pour white wine into rice mixture, stirring constantly, until liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir chicken broth into rice, one ladleful at a time, allowing liquid to absorb completely before adding more while stirring constantly, about 20 minutes. Add asparagus and stir.
  • Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.9 calories, Carbohydrate 53.4 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 8.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 355.2 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

SPRING PEA AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Spring Pea and Asparagus Risotto image

Simple springtime risotto featuring English peas, asparagus, lemon and parsley! This risotto is baked in the oven and requires minimal stirring. The recipe is designed for brown arborio/short grain brown rice so any grain substitutions will affect baking time. (White arborio rice will only need to be baked for 40 to 45 minutes.) Look for brown arborio/short-grain brown rice at well-stocked grocery stores or health food stores. Skip the wine if you don't drink, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor. Recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Entree

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small yellow onion, chopped)
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
5 cups (40 ounces) vegetable broth, divided (if your broth comes in 32-ounce containers, feel free to avoid opening another container by substituting 1 cup water for 1 cup broth in step 3)
1 1/2 cups brown arborio/short-grain brown rice
1 big bunch of fresh asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups fresh English peas (about 8 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine, optional
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, preferably organic (about 1/4 teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice)
Handful chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position and place another rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and turning translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add 4 cups broth (or 3 cups broth and 1 cup water), cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and stir in the rice. Cover the pot and bake for 55 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and discarding them, then slicing the spears diagonally into 1 1/2-inch long pieces. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Set aside for now.
  • Once the risotto has been in the oven for 55 minutes, transfer the asparagus to the lower rack of the oven. Carefully remove the pot from the oven and take off the lid. Quickly dump the peas inside, cover the pot again and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. (This will give the peas time to steam.)
  • Remove the pot from the oven, but leave the asparagus in for another 5 to 10 minutes, until tender and roasted to your liking. Remove the lid and pour in the remaining cup of broth, the Parmesan, wine, butter, salt, a generous amount of pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes and the zest and juice of half your lemon.
  • Using a big spoon, stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is thick and creamy. Stir in the roasted asparagus. Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide into bowls and top with a generous sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 429 calories, Sugar 6 g, Sodium 1098.8 mg, Fat 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 49.5 g, Fiber 5.5 g, Protein 14.1 g, Cholesterol 28.1 mg

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS



Risotto with Asparagus image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 bunches thick asparagus (about 2 pounds)
1 sprig fresh thyme or lemon thyme
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot, diced
2 cups arborio rice
Kosher salt
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 head Bibb lettuce, cut into strips
8 ounces robiola or taleggio cheese, thinly sliced
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • Peel the bottom third of the asparagus stalks with a vegetable peeler. Snap each stalk where it breaks naturally; reserve 4 of the peeled bottoms for crostini (below). Thinly slice 6 asparagus bottoms and place the rest of the bottoms in a saucepan with 8 cups water and the thyme to make asparagus broth; bring to a simmer.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until glossy, about 1 minute. Add 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed. Stir in 1/2 cup of the asparagus broth until absorbed (use a ladle to add the broth, keeping the solids in the pan). Continue to add broth in 1/2-cup increments, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more, about 10 minutes. (You should have about half the broth left.) Stir in the sliced asparagus bottoms and the lemon zest. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice is just tender, 5 to 8 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, place the asparagus tips in a large skillet, cover with water and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over medium-high heat until just tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the parmesan and lemon juice to the risotto. Stir in the lettuce, remove from the heat and season with salt. Divide among bowls, top with the robiola and season with pepper. Drizzle the asparagus tips with olive oil and spoon over the risotto.

BEST EVER ASPARAGUS & PEA RISOTTO



Best ever asparagus & pea risotto image

Enjoy this stunning risotto. It requires a little more effort but you're repaid with vibrant spring veg in every forkful

Provided by Tom Kerridge

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 bunch of asparagus (about 250g)
300g fresh peas, podded and pods reserved, or use 100g frozen peas
30g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated, plus the rind, if available
1 litre vegetable stock (or chicken stock if not vegetarian)
2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
1 onion, finely chopped
200g risotto rice
100ml white wine or vermouth
30g cold butter, cut into cubes
squeeze of lemon juice
handful of pea shoots (optional)

Steps:

  • Snap the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and roughly bash with the blade of a knife. Tip the ends into a saucepan along with the reserved pea pods, if using, and parmesan rind, if you have it. Pour over 700ml of the stock, set the pan over a low heat and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, cut the tips off the asparagus, set aside, and slice the stalks into rounds.
  • Bring the rest of the stock to the boil in a small saucepan, tip in the asparagus tips and cook for 1 min. Scoop out into a bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside. Tip the rest of the asparagus and the peas into the pan and simmer for 3-4 mins until just tender. Tip half the cooked veg and the stock from the pan into a blender and blitz until frothy and green. Return to the pan with the whole vegetables and set aside.
  • Heat most of the oil in a large, shallow saucepan over a low heat and cook the onions for 8-10 mins until soft but not translucent. Stir in the rice to coat in the onions and oil, turn the heat up slightly and cook for 3 mins. Pour over the wine or vermouth, then stir and simmer until the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add a ladleful of stock from the large pan, avoiding the pea pods and asparagus ends, stirring vigorously and only adding more when the first ladle has been absorbed by the rice. Keep adding stock in this way until it is absorbed, the pan is dry and the rice is al dente (about 15 mins), then add the green stock, along with the veg, and cook for 3-4 mins more until the rice is just tender and you can see the bottom of the pan when you draw a spoon through it.
  • Remove from the heat and leave to stand for a minute, then beat in the butter, most of the cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice and some seasoning. Stir until the cheese has melted and the risotto is thick. Serve in warmed bowls topped with the asparagus tips, pea shoots (if using), the rest of the cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 842 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 13 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 97 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 10 grams fiber, Protein 31 grams protein, Sodium 3.4 milligram of sodium

SPRING RISOTTO



Spring Risotto image

With asparagus, peas, and fiddlehead ferns, plus pesto mixed in at the last minute, this whole dish becomes perfumed with basil and a vernal green.

Provided by Elisabeth Prueitt

Categories     Spring     Rice     Risotto     Asparagus     Pea     Sugar Snap Pea     Parmesan     White Wine     Stock     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Dinner

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch/5cm lengths
8 oz/230g English peas, shelled
8 oz/230g sugar snap peas, stems and strings removed
6 oz/170g fiddlehead ferns (optional)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 yellow onion, minced
2 cups/400g arborio or carnaroli rice
1 cup/240ml dry white wine
1 cup/240ml plus 1 qt/960ml chicken stock (homemade or store-bought), hot
2 tsp sea salt, plus more
Ground black pepper
1/2 cup/50g grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup/85g store-bought basil pesto

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Add the asparagus to the pot and blanch, just until bright green, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the ice water to stop the cooking, about 30 seconds. Transfer the asparagus to a colander to drain. Repeat with the English peas, sugar snap peas, and fiddleheads.
  • Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté just until translucent, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until opaque, about 1 minute.
  • Stir the wine into the rice, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring periodically, until the rice absorbs the wine, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup/240ml stock and 2 teaspoons salt, return to a simmer, and let cook until the liquid has been absorbed. Spread the rice mixture on a baking sheet and set aside until you are ready to finish the dish, or skip this step and keep cooking, continuing with adding the hot stock.
  • About 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, return the rice mixture to the sauté pan and cook over medium heat. Stir 1 cup/240ml of the hot stock into the rice mixture and cook until the moisture has been nearly absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat for the remaining 3 cups/720ml of stock, adding 1 cup/240ml at a time. When you still see liquid pooling here and there in the pan, remove from the heat and stir in the blanched vegetables and the Parmesan. Quickly stir in the pesto and serve.
  • Store risotto, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Do Ahead
  • To prepare the risotto ahead of time, cook the vegetables and the rice up until you add the wine and 1 cup/240ml of stock. Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, spread the rice and onion mixture on a baking sheet to hold until you're ready to finish cooking. Just before dinner, return the rice to the pot and resume cooking until done.

Tips:

  • Choose the right asparagus: Look for asparagus spears that are bright green, firm, and have tightly closed tips. Avoid spears that are limp, wilted, or have woody ends.
  • Prepare the asparagus properly: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears and peel the bottom inch or two of the spears if desired. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces.
  • Cook the rice perfectly: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the rice. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the rice from sticking. Add the rice to the pot along with the olive oil and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the white wine and cook until it has been absorbed. Finally, add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly. Cook the rice until it is tender and creamy, about 18-20 minutes.
  • Add the asparagus at the right time: Add the asparagus to the risotto during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. This will ensure that the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
  • Use good quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your risotto. Use fresh, flavorful asparagus, a good quality white wine, and a flavorful chicken broth.

Conclusion:

Springtime asparagus risotto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful risotto that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give this springtime asparagus risotto a try. You won't be disappointed!

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