Indulge in the creamy and flavorful lemon asparagus risotto, a classic Italian dish that is perfectly balanced with the freshness of lemon and the earthiness of asparagus. This comforting dish is made with Arborio rice cooked to perfection in a vegetable broth, infused with citrusy lemon zest and juice, and topped with tender asparagus spears. It's a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a cozy meal at home. Treat your taste buds to this exquisite recipe and enjoy every spoonful!
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the oil and butter.
- Pour in a ladleful of vegetable broth and stir continuously until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process until all the broth is used and the rice is cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
- In the meantime, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- When the risotto is almost done, stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- Gently fold in the blanched asparagus and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the lemon asparagus risotto hot, garnished with extra lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese.