Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Freshness: The combination of tender asparagus and zesty lemon captures the essence of springtime flavors.
- Creamy Texture: Arborio rice provides a luscious, creamy consistency that is both comforting and indulgent.
- Elegant Presentation: This dish not only tastes delicious but also makes for an impressive presentation at any dinner table.
- Versatility: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; it pairs well with a variety of proteins like chicken, shrimp, or fish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh asparagus spears
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Small onion
- Celery stalk
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Arborio rice
- Garlic clove
- Dry white wine
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Directions
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Prepare the Asparagus: Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water just below the steamer's bottom. Bring to a boil, add asparagus, cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
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Heat the Broth: In a separate saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat; keep it at a simmer while preparing the risotto.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
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Toast the Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and minced garlic; cook and stir until the rice is lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
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Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and simmer until it has mostly evaporated.
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Cook the Risotto: Add one-third of the hot chicken broth to the rice; stir continuously until the liquid is absorbed and the mixture becomes creamy. Repeat this process two more times, stirring constantly. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes in total. The rice should be tender yet firm to the bite.
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Incorporate Asparagus: Stir in the steamed asparagus pieces.
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Finish the Dish: Remove from heat and mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: Around 30 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or seared scallops to make the dish more substantial.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheese profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the risotto to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
What type of rice is best for risotto?
Arborio rice is ideal due to its high starch content, which gives risotto its signature creamy texture.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, frozen asparagus can be used. Thaw and drain it before adding to the risotto.
Is it necessary to use wine in the recipe?
While wine adds depth of flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional broth if you prefer.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast, and ensure the broth used is dairy-free.
What can I use instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?
Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth in this recipe.
Can I prepare risotto in advance?
Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and reheat it gently, adding a bit of broth to restore its texture.
How do I prevent the risotto from becoming too mushy?
Cook the rice until it's al dente and avoid over-stirring, which can break down the grains.
What other vegetables can I add to this risotto?
Peas, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to this risotto.
How can I add more lemon flavor?
Increase the amount of lemon zest or add a bit more lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
Is it possible to make this risotto vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth, omit the cheese or
Lemon Asparagus Risotto
Lemon Asparagus Risotto is a creamy, flavorful Italian dish featuring tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and rich Arborio rice. This easy risotto recipe is perfect for springtime meals, offering a balance of freshness and indulgence. Serve it as a main course or a side dish for an elegant and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus spears
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Steam asparagus for 5 minutes until tender, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Heat the Broth: Keep the chicken (or vegetable) broth warm over low heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Deglaze with Wine: Add white wine, letting it simmer until mostly evaporated.
- Cook the Risotto: Gradually add hot broth, one-third at a time, stirring until absorbed. Repeat until the rice is tender but al dente, about 20 minutes.
- Add Asparagus: Stir in the steamed asparagus.
- Finish the Dish: Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian risotto.
- For extra lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or juice.
- Stir continuously for a creamy consistency.
- Add protein like shrimp, chicken, or scallops for a heartier meal.
