Spring Vegetable Risotto With Asparagus and Peas Recipe

Spring Vegetable Risotto With Peas and Asparagus
Diana Rattray
Prep: 12 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 47 mins
Servings: 4 servings

Celebrate spring with this wonderful creamy risotto! Asparagus, peas, and green onions are featured in this risotto, along with a little dry white wine and Parmesan cheese. 

Feel free to use more or less Parmesan cheese to suit your taste. Cook the asparagus in a small amount of water or roast it. See the tips and variations below the recipe for roasting directions.

Ingredients

  • 8 to 12 ounces asparagus (cut in 1-inch lengths)
  • 5 cups chicken stock (low- or no-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 green onions (sliced)
  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry vermouth)
  • 1 cup frozen English peas (thawed; or fresh steamed until tender)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Steps to Make It

  1. Bring a medium saucepan with about 2 inches of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the asparagus. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until just barely tender. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water.

  2. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer on the stovetop and keep warm. Reserve 1/4 cup of the broth for the end of cooking time.

  3. Put the olive oil in a large saucepan or saute pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the green onions. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.

  4. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until all grains are coated with oil and translucent, about 2 minutes.

  5. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until most has been absorbed by the rice. 

  6. Add chicken broth, about 1/4 to 1/2-cup at a time. Cook, stirring constantly, after each broth addition until the rice has absorbed most of the broth. Don't let the rice dry out at any point. Continue adding and broth and stirring until the rice has become tender but still a little firm in the center. This will take about 18 to 20 minutes. 

  7. Add the asparagus and peas to the rice and continue cooking, stirring, until heated. Add more broth as needed. The rice will be tender, but slightly firm. Add the reserved 1/4 cup of broth and the butter, stirring thoroughly until well blended.

  8. Blend in the Parmesan cheese and add Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Tip

  • Roasted Asparagus: Cut the asparagus into 1-inch lengths. Toss it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and arrange it in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425 F (220 C/Gas 7) oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until just tender.

Variation

  • Use brown Arborio rice and plan to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the total cooking time.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
569 Calories
13g Fat
88g Carbs
16g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 569
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 1113mg 48%
Total Carbohydrate 88g 32%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Protein 16g
Calcium 143mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)