Creamy, savory, crunchy, and zingy: this asparagus risotto is truly sublime. Alex and I are craving fresh flavors over here, and this fancy yet simple dinner is the perfect antidote: the perfect spring recipe!
Roast asparagus with lemon at the same time that you’re stirring up a creamy risotto on the stovetop. Then throw the tender bright green asparagus into the risotto, right along with the lemon. You’ll wish the pot would never end—we certainly did!
How to make risotto: step by step
Making risotto is actually quite simple! It’s just a matter of slow cooking short grain rice with broth until it becomes extraordinarily creamy. When we first started cooking, we thought risotto was something that came out of a box marked “risotto.” Turns out, it’s just a special way to cook arborio rice. Here are the basic steps (for exact steps and quantities, go to the full recipe below).
White arborio rice: Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian variety that releases its starches gradually while cooking, creating the creamy, signature texture of risotto. You should be able to find it at most grocery stores. Avoid substituting any other variety of rice in this recipe. Asparagus: Look for thin to medium thick spears, which have a mild, sweet flavor. Broth and dry white wine: White wine is essential to the nuanced flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute more broth for the wine. Lemon: Fresh lemon infuses a citrus zingy. Parmesan cheese: Cheese infuses the dish with savory notes. Toasted pine nuts: This Italian-style garnish steps up the flavor; here’s how to toast pine nuts. Olive oil, butter, onion, and garlic powder round out the flavors in this dish.
Once you’ve got a thick and creamy risotto, stir in the asparagus and roasted lemon wedges and serve immediately.
What to serve with risotto
Sometimes it’s hard to decide how to make risotto into a full meal, especially if it’s vegetarian. Accessorizing with a salad makes for a filling vegetarian dinner. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with risotto:
Add a protein like sauteed shrimp or lemon garlic chicken. Try an easy salad like arugula salad or refreshing fennel orange salad. Go for bread like garlic bread or simple garlic toast.
Tip: If you love risotto, make sure to try our Classic Risotto, Butternut Squash Risotto, Mushroom Risotto, and Creamy Shrimp Risotto.
A few more asparagus recipes
Want more ways to use this healthy green stalk? Here are some asparagus recipes to add to your repertoire:
Try asparagus salad with sauteed asparagus with lemon, radishes, feta, and a Dijon dressing. Go for asparagus pasta, pairing lemony roasted asparagus with fresh basil and Parmesan for an irresistible dinner recipe. Mix up shaved asparagus salad, which features the mild and sweet flavor of the raw veggie. Opt for baked asparagus, a dish that’s a hit with everyone.
Frequently asked questions
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