Monday, March 19, 2007

Asparagus risotto

Asparagus risotto

When I cook beef for João, I always choose another recipe to cook for myself – and most of times I end up making risotto.
It’s my favorite dish and I’ll gladly have a big plate of it.
I should be ashamed to tell you that, but there it goes: on my honeymoon I ate so much that I had a hard time trying to get dressed for work on the following week. I literally tried almost every outfit I had back then, with little success.
Among all that spectacular food, I ate an asparagus risotto that was superb. So delicious I hadn’t forgotten about it, even 2 years later.
It was such a great week that I tried to relive it a little by making this recipe. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Asparagus risotto
from Kitchen: The Best of the Best

1 liter vegetable stock
50g (3 ½ tablespoons) butter
1 onion, finely diced
275g (1 ¼ cups) risotto rice – I used Arborio
175g (1 bunch) asparagus
2 tablespoons lemon juice
85g (heaped ¾ cup) parmesan, grated
salt and black pepper

Heat the stock and keep it gently simmering.
Melt the butter in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it’s soft and transparent.
Add the rice and stir for 1 minute or until the grains are glossy and well coated in the butter. Add 240ml (1 cup) stock, simmer and stir until it is absorbed. Continue to add the stock, 1 ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the stock is absorbed and the rice is al dente.
Bring a saucepan of water quickly to a boil and blanch the asparagus until bright green. Drain and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Fold the lemon juice and the parmesan through the risotto and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Spoon onto warm serving plates and top with the asparagus.

Serves 4

21 comments:

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

All you have to do is look at the ingredient list and know this is going to be one irresistable risotto!
You did finally find an outfit that you could wear to work I hope.

Anonymous said...

This is such a classic dish. I love risotto because it's so flexible and enjoy making this in spring when asparagus appears on the market. Risotto can be quite moreish so I can understand what you went through... :)

Kirsten said...

That looks wonderful, and perfect for spring!

I adore any and all risotto, so I will be trying this recipe. :)

Toni said...

This is my kind of risotto - simple, fresh, and obviously delicious! I am always looking for great vegetarian meals, so that I can balance out the others. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

That looks wonderfuf

wheresmymind said...

You are a girl after my own heart *sigh* I do love risotto :)

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Asparagus risotto is my absolute favorite dish to make in spring. It will be asparagus season here in 4-6 weeks. Then we go to the farm every couple of days and buy asparagus fresh picked that morning. Oh my, it's good!

Freya said...

I love Risotto! It's my favourite comfort food!

Judy said...

Love the blog!

I think that I could live on risotto alone. This one sounds wickedly good.

Anonymous said...

I've always found risotto a little daunting. Not difficult to make, just tedious because of all the stirring. But lately some people have been talking about stirring it only occasionally. Has anyone tried this? I might be more up for it if that worked.

But everyone is right, Patricia. This looks and sounds delicious!

Anh said...

Yummy! I can eat two portions :D I love eating rice (all types, and your risotto is a great comfort!

Stella said...

Hi Pat!
Oh I remember you posted a recipe about risotto before & I loved it! Love this one too!!

Anonymous said...

I would say this recipe would be well worth not being able to fit into your pants any more :) Great post Patricia!

Gattina Cheung said...

I can give up any meat, just for risotto!!! Asparagus look very good at stores these days, will get some and make it from your recipe, really look wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I must make risotto more often! I really like it and the ingredients are always handy...this one with asparagus looks really delicious! :)

Love the honeymoon story :) I'm still trying to lose the weight I gained on my honeymoon 6 months ago! Yikes!

Lis said...

Oh I can't tell you how much you are making me *swoon* over here.. asparagus risotto has to by my absolute favorite risotto dish EVER. Yours looks heavenly and I love the addition of the lemon juice - I can't wait to make this!

xoxo

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Well, if clothes are gonna get a little snug, it should at least be worth it, right? And your asparagus risotto definitely makes it worth it!

Anonymous said...

I would eat risotto every chance I get except it is not good for my waistline. Love your honeymoon story,Patricia! I think all of us gain weight at during that time I know I did!

Patricia Scarpin said...

Sher, thank you, sweetie!! I miss my honeymoon sometimes, I had so much fun!

Tanna, I did, but it was hard and I was late for work. lol
The lemon gives it a nice touch, very different.

Steven, one should be careful with risotto. :)

Kirsten, me too, sweetie - risotto rules! :D

Toni, and it's great to make it because all that stirring helps one clear their mind. Kind of therapeutic. :)

Candy, thank you, dear!

Jeff, high five! :D

Lydia, I bet you'll buy beautiful asparagus, deep and vibrant and green.

Freya, me too, sweetie!

Judy, tks for the visit! You're too kind.

Terry, I think I'll give this new technique a try next time and get back to you.
You're always generous, my friend.

Anh, let's share it!! Rice is one of my weak spots, too. :D

Valentina, you have great memory! I did post a leek risotto many months ago!

Kristen, I had no regrets back then. :D
Thank you for the lovely words!

Gattina, my dear, I think you'll like it!

Joey, so you know what I mean, right?? I bet it's been really hard, since you cook delicious recipes every time... :D

Lis, I was surprised with the addition of lemon - it was great!
xoxo, sweetie!

Susan, I agree you 100% - this is totally worth it. :D

Veron, don't tell me about waistline... Mine hasn't gotten any smaller in ages. lol

Unknown said...

Oh my. That's all I can say.

Sounds so good.

Anonymous said...

I *love* risotto and your post has inspired me to put risotto w/asparagus on the menu tonight :)

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