Risotto with Asparagus

The risotto is an Italian dish from the Northern part of Italy and it is a rice dish cooked with broth and comes out with a creamy consistency. It is not as difficult as most people think, it just takes a bit of love and care. Just follow the recipe and make sure to stay with your risotto the whole time!

Nice thing about risotto is that you can choose the type of broth from vegetables, fish or meat. Also, the vegetables that you add can vary according to what is in season and what you like best!

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups of risotto rice (Arborio)

1 bunch of asparagus (about 8-10)

1 small onion

1 clove of garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup of dry white wine (Optional)

4 tablespoons of butter

Olive oil

Salt and Pepper

Instructions:

In a small pot heat the broth over low heat.

Start chopping the onions and garlic. Clean and cut the asparagus into 1 cm pieces.

Heat a pan with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, add the garlic and the asparagus. Sauté for a few minutes, do not overcook. I like my veggies to stay crisp.

In a large pot heat olive oil and butter, once melted add the onion and cook until softened. Add the rice and keep stirring the rice for about 3 minutes (At this point you can incorporate the glass of wine and keep stirring until it has completely evaporated).

Lower the heat and start to incorporate the warm broth to the rice. Add 1/2 cup and season with salt and pepper stirring constantly. Continue to add the broth (1/2 a cup at a time), allow it to be absorbed before adding the next and stir every few minutes.

After 15-20 minutes start tasting your rice texture, it should be al dente. Stir in the asparagus, Parmesan cheese, and the last spoon of the broth. At this point your risotto should have a creamy consistency. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if necessary. Remove from the heat.

*Tip: Once removed from heat cover the pot and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes before serving, this will make it creamier!

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese once served. Goes great with a glass of white wine.