Asparagus Risotto
Ingredients
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- 1 pounds asparagus – woody ends snapped; tips reserved; stalks cut into 0.5-inch pieces
- 5 cups vegetable stock – kept hot (infuse with asparagus trimmings)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion – small, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups carnaroli rice
- 1/2 cups dry white wine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – cut into cubes, divided
- 3/4 cups Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – finely grated
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground
Instructions
1. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and add those trimmings to a saucepan with the vegetable stock. Bring to a bare simmer over low heat and keep the stock hot.
2. Cut the remaining asparagus stalks into 0.5-inch pieces and reserve the tips separately.
3. In a wide heavy pot, heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until translucent but not browned, 4–5 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice and toast, stirring constantly, until the grains are hot and edges look translucent, about 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring, until almost completely evaporated, 1–2 minutes.
6. Begin adding the hot asparagus-infused stock a ladleful at a time, just enough to barely cover the rice. Stir often and maintain a gentle simmer, adding more stock as it is absorbed.
7. After about 8 minutes of cooking, stir in the asparagus stalk pieces (reserve the tips). Continue adding stock and stirring until the rice is al dente, 16–20 minutes total from the first ladle, and the mixture is creamy and flowing.
8. In the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, stir in the asparagus tips and cook until just tender.
9. Season with the kosher salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed depending on the saltiness of your stock.
10. Remove the pot from the heat and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter and the Parmigiano Reggiano. Beat vigorously for 30–60 seconds until glossy and creamy, adding a splash of hot stock if needed so the risotto relaxes and gently spreads on the plate (all'onda).
11. Let rest 1 minute, then serve immediately while creamy.
Asparagus Risotto is a springtime Italian rice dish that marries tender asparagus with the creamy starch of risotto rice. The flavor is delicate and green, with a lightly grassy sweetness from the asparagus supported by savory Parmigiano and butter. Properly cooked, the rice is al dente and suspended in a silky emulsion that gently spreads on the plate.
Rooted in northern Italy’s rice-growing regions, risotto is a technique as much as a recipe, perfected in the Po Valley. Asparagus has long been a seasonal pairing, especially in areas famed for white and green asparagus, such as Veneto and Lombardy. The dish reflects the Italian habit of celebrating peak produce in simple preparations that highlight texture and purity of flavor.