Asparagus Risotto
This Asparagus Risotto (Vegetarian) is a creamy, comforting Italian classic that highlights tender asparagus folded into rich, velvety Arborio rice. It’s fresh, elegant, full of spring flavor, perfect for weeknights or entertaining!
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh asparagus
- 5 cups vegetable broth chicken broth, or mushroom broth also work
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large shallots finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh herbs chopped (basil, tarragon, dill, or a mix), plus more for garnish
- 1 cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese more for serving
- lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Trim the asparagus and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. In a separate pot, keep the broth warm over low heat.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted and slightly translucent at the edges.
- Pour in the white wine and salt, stirring until fully absorbed. Begin adding the warm broth, about ½ cup at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more.
- With the second-to-last addition of broth, stir in the asparagus. Continue cooking until the rice is al dente and the asparagus is tender, about 20 to 30 minutes total. The risotto should be soft and creamy, not thick or dry.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, Parmigiano, lemon juice, and fresh herbs until smooth and combined.
- Serve immediately with extra herbs, lemon zest, and more Parmigiano on top.
Notes
- Always keep the broth warm - cold broth stops the cooking process
- Stir gently, not constantly - you want creamy, not gluey
- The final texture should slowly spread on the plate, not sit stiff
- Use high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor
Nutrition
Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 1459mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1674IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 238mg | Iron: 6mg
