Springtime Risotto with Leeks, Snap Peas, & Roasted Asparagus
As the temperatures rise and the flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the freshest produce of the season. One delicious way to do this is with a springtime risotto. This recipe features leeks, snap peas, and roasted asparagus, all stirred into a creamy and comforting dish.
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F, and prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends and cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Toss the asparagus with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
Next, prepare your risotto by cooking a chopped leek in some butter until softened, then adding Arborio rice and cooking for a few minutes until it’s lightly toasted. Begin incorporating hot vegetable or chicken broth, one ladleful at a time, and stirring continuously until the broth is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes, and the rice should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Once the rice is cooked, stir in some frozen peas, blanched snap peas, and the roasted asparagus pieces. Finish with a bit of butter and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, ladle the risotto into bowls and top with some additional Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Spring Pea and Asparagus Risotto
Another tasty option for a spring risotto is this recipe featuring fresh peas and asparagus.
To start, prepare the asparagus by cutting off the woody stems and slicing the spears into 1-inch pieces. Blanch them for a few minutes in boiling, salted water until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside.
In a separate pot, heat some olive oil and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add Arborio rice and cook until it’s lightly toasted, then begin incorporating hot vegetable or chicken broth, one ladleful at a time, and stirring continuously until the rice is cooked through.
During the last few minutes of cooking, stir in some frozen peas and the blanched asparagus. Finish with some butter and grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, spoon the risotto into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper.
Conclusion
Risotto is a comforting and versatile dish that can be easily adapted to showcase the flavors of the season. By incorporating fresh produce like asparagus, peas, and leeks, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for springtime. Whether you prefer a classic risotto recipe or one with a twist, there’s no better time to enjoy this Italian favorite.
