Spring Recipe: Risotto with Asparagus and Peas

We are thrilled to share this Seasonal Recipe from SavoryLiving, a Bountiful Brookline sponsor.

Spring Risotto with Asparagus and Peas

Asparagus is young and tender and peas are in abundance. The two are beautiful together in this lovely celebration of spring.

Note - this recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
I've noted places where you can make substitutions if you'd like to add cheese (but it really doesn't need it).

For 4 servings, you need 2- 2 1/2 cuts of raw vegetables

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large shallots, chopped finely (about 1/2 cup)
3 cloves garlic, chopped finely
8 ounces asparagus
1 pound peas in the pod (or 4 ounces sugar snap or snow peas)
1 cup of uncooked Arborio rice (risotto)
1/2 cup of white wine
4 cups of vegetable stock
Fresh herbs - parsley, basil or tarragon

1.  Prepare the stock

·  Break the tough ends off the asparagus (when you bend a stalk with both hands, it will break at the point where it is becoming tough and dry)

·  Coursely chop the stems and place them in a medium saucepan.

·  If using peas in the pod, shell them and add the pods to the saucepan.

·  Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat

·  Reduce and simmer and cook for 15 minutes

·  Keep at a simmer

2.  Prepare the vegetables

·  Meanwhile, slice the asparagus stalks on a diagonal into 1/2 inch pieces

·  If using sugar snap peas or snow peas, pull off the stem ends to remove the tough string that runs along the "spines" then slice them on a diagonal into 1/4 inch slices and set aside

3.  Saute aromatics and vegetables

·  In a heavy saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat

·  Add shallots, stir and cook until start to turn golden

4.  Add rice to the pan and cook until the grains look chalky with a white dot in the center of each
    (about 5 min)

5.  Add wine and simmer, stirring until it is absorbed by the rice

6.  With a skimmer, scoop the vegetable trimmings out of the simmering broth and discard

7.  Stir in 1/2 cup of broth into the rice mixture and simmer, stirring often, until all the liquid is absorbed
     (about 3 min); stir in another 1/2 cup of broth and stir and mix until all the liquid is absorbed.

8.  Stir the asparagus into the rice and add 1 cup of broth.  Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes.

9.  Stir in the peas. Continue to add broth - 1/2 a cup at a time until the rice grains are tender but still
     firm in the center and the risotto is creamy but not soupy.

10.  Remove from the heat and add spices (basil, parsley, tarragon - you choose)

11.  Adjust spices - add salt, pepper, and/or sugar and lemon juice if needed to boost the flavors - can add Parmesan cheese here if using.

Enjoy!

Sue
Health Coach, Natural Foods Chef
Savory Living

Savory Living is passionate about helping people discover how to eat well and choose delicious foods that make them feel great.  We connect people with the information and skills they need to prepare, eat and savor great tasting, healthy foods.  Sign up for a FREE Eat Well Consultation at www.savoryliving.com or call 617-651-1221