Asparagus Risotto

Risotto Italian Quick Main
  • Prep Time: 10m
  • Cook Time: 25m
  • Total Time: 35m

Servings: 4

Source

Ingredients

  • 400g Asparagus
  • 1.6l vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 50g butter
  • 1 medium or 2 small onions finely chopped
  • 350g risotto rice
  • 200ml white wine or vermouth (optional)
  • 50g parmesan finely grated

Instructions

  1. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and tip them into a saucepan with the stock. Put on a low heat to very gently simmer. Meanwhile, cut off the tips of the asparagus, add to the stock for exactly 1 min. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Finely slice the rest of the stalks into rounds.
  2. Heat the oil and half the butter in a heavy, wide pan. Cook the onions gently for 5 mins until soft, stirring often. Add the chopped asparagus stalks and cook for 2 mins more. Add the rice and continously stir for a few minutes until it turns semi-transparent and makes a hissing sound.
  3. Stir in the wine, if using – it will evaporate almost immediately. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition until it is absorbed, about 15 mins.
  4. Try the rice – it should feel just cooked with a slight bite to it. Stir in the asparagus tips and any last dregs of stock and cook for 1 or 2 mins more. Remove from the heat and top with the remaining butter and most of the parmesan. Season generously, cover and leave for a few minutes to settle.
  5. Give the risotto a thorough stir to incorporate the butter and cheese and serve straight away with the remaining parmesan for sprinkling over.