There’s something truly special about a well-made risotto—it’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This asparagus and parmesan risotto is a perfect blend of freshness and indulgence, making it an ideal dish for both cozy nights in and elegant dinner gatherings.
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 2
Ingredients:
For the Risotto:
- 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For risotto Garnish:
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- A drizzle of olive oil
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 600 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 90g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
Prepare the Asparagus:
- Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Toast the risotto Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat with the onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges of the rice are translucent.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it’s mostly absorbed.
Cook the Risotto:
- Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender but still slightly al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
Add Asparagus and Cheese:
- Stir in the blanched asparagus and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine and season with salt and black pepper to taste
Serve risotto:
- Spoon the risotto into serving bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, fresh parsley or thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Serving Tip 💡:
Pair this creamy asparagus risotto with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a perfect meal. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread for added texture and flavor.
