Spring
by: raspberryeggplant
March16,2010
4
2 Ratings
- Prep time 15 minutes
- Cook time 1 hour
- Serves 2
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Author Notes
Asparagus is my culinary harbinger of Spring, and even though it's rainy and cold in NYC right now, the combination of asparagus, peas, parsley, and lemon makes me feel like it's warmer and sunnier - but the warmth and creaminess of the risotto is just the thing for a chilly and damp day. —raspberryeggplant
Test Kitchen Notes
This risotto recipe was a very nice, simple dish with bright flavors and a definite note of spring. The thoughtful and detailed directions were easy to follow, and we appreciated the use of the microwave as a time-and-extra-pots-to-clean-saver. It made the perfect amount of risotto for two, and the asparagus still had just the right amount of crunch to it after being microwaved. I think what set this dish apart from a standard risotto was the simple gremolata added at the end. The parsley and lemon zest are what really make this dish "spring" risotto as opposed to just a standard vegetable risotto. Notes: We used far more fresh parmesan than called for in the recipe. 1 tablespoon between two people is far less parmesan than I have ever used in a dish, but this is just a matter of personal taste for (i.e., addiction to) cheese. Also, I don't know if it was my rice, but I had to use 4 cups of stock as opposed to the recommended 3 cups. I always seem to need more broth when I make a risotto though, and I've never been able to figure out why. All in all, a great dish! - lechef —The Editors
- Test Kitchen-Approved
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 cupsvegetable broth
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 6 teaspoonsunsalted butter, divided use
- 1/4 teaspoonfine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoonground white pepper
- 3/4 cuparborio rice (preferably Vialone Nano)
- 1/2 cupdry white wine (New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is best with this dish)
- 1/2 poundasparagus
- 1 teaspoonolive oil
- 1 pinchfine sea salt
- 1/3 cupfrozen petite peas
- 2 teaspoonsfinely chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
- 2 teaspoonsfinely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoonfreshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoonfinely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Directions
- Put the vegetable broth in a small covered saucepan and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down as low as it will go and keep the pot covered.
- Peel and finely chop the onion and set aside. Peel and mince the garlic and set aside.
- Melt 4 teaspoons of the butter in a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until almost all the wine is absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Add ½ cup of the hot vegetable broth and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost all of the broth has been absorbed – this will take about 3 minutes. Repeat this process until the risotto is slightly al dente. [Note: you may not need to use all of the broth.]
- While the risotto is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and discard them. Cut the stalks into 1” pieces (I like to do this on the diagonal). Put the asparagus into a microwave-safe bowl and add the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Stir well and cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high power for 2 ½ minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Transfer the asparagus to a plate and add the peas to the bowl. Microwave the peas uncovered on high power until they are just defrosted, about 45 seconds. Do not overcook or they will shrivel up.
- Combine the lemon zest and parsley in a small bowl and set the mixture aside.
- When the risotto is done, remove the pot from the heat and add the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter. Stir well until the butter is melted and evenly distributed. Add the asparagus, peas, and lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Divide the risotto evenly among two plates. Top each plate with half of the grated cheese and half of the parsley-lemon mixture. Serve immediately.
Tags:
- Risotto
- Italian
- American
- Lemon
- Lemon Juice
- Parsley
- Pea
- Asparagus
- Grains
- Spring
- Vegetarian
- Entree
Contest Entries
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11 Reviews
Kathie March 22, 2022
This could turn me into a vegetarian! Great spring dish.
HeatherM March 13, 2012
This was just great! I think it was the contrasting textures that really put it over the top. Certainly one of those recipes where all the component parts are important, although I admit I skipped the peas, having none on hand. Very tasty recipe, and I agree that the amount is perfect for two.
zoe.d October 5, 2011
Thanks for a lovely recipe. Asparagus has just arrived in season in melbourne, australia and this is the perfect way to start. The cupboard dictated substitutions of leek, vermouth and lots of mint instead of onion, white wine and parsley. But all went brilliantly, the flavour was subtle and wonderful!
mmmAnnaT March 31, 2011
I served it with a salad of mixed greens (+ some arugula), beets, yellow grape tomatoes and goat cheese. Then I used the beet greens and wilted them in the risotto. It was a nice addition! Next time I'm going to make my own veggie broth. My whole family loved it and it's perfect for the Spring! There will most certainly be a repeat.
Hark March 14, 2011
Delicious, not too rich, and super easy.
JeZim April 12, 2010
I just made this last night (my first Food 52 recipe!) and it was really fantastic. I love making risotto, and this was a refreshingly light take while still being a satisfying meal. Thank you for sharing!
coffeefoodwrite April 1, 2010
Looking forward to trying this! It looks delicious...
mtrelaun March 22, 2010
This is delicious! I made it last night, and I'm already looking forward to preparing it again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
The L. March 17, 2010
With the spring like weather in NYC, I was inspired to make this recipe last night for friends. Delicious! The risotto was the perfect consistency and looked very pretty on the plate.
I substituted 2 shallots for the white onion but pretty much stuck to the recipe which was well thought out and simple to follow. I especially loved the shortcut of microwaving the asparagus and peas in the same bowl.
As The Lazy Hostess, I'm all about simple prep and non-fussy recipes that you can make in a snap!
gabrielaskitchen March 16, 2010
I second mrslarkin! This is exactly the risotto I want to make now that it's sunny and 60 in nyc. Also, if you didn't know, I love adding lemon zest to everything I cook!
mrslarkin March 16, 2010
This sounds great and looks beautiful. Spring is near! Thanks for the recipe.
