Pea and Asparagus Risotto

White shallow bowl filled with risotto, asparagus, and peas with grated cheese.

Pea and Asparagus Risotto is a delicious and hearty side dish or main dish made with arborio rice, onion, garlic, fresh asparagus, peas, and cheese. This recipe is naturally gluten free and can be altered to be dairy free.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 387kcal

Author Katie

Equipment

1 Stove Top
2 Stock Pots
1 Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus ends trimmed (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
½ white onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
32 ounces Low sodium chicken broth
1-½ cups arborio rice
½ cup dry white wine
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup Frozen Peas thawed
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Lemon zested

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then, add the chopped 1-inch pieces of asparagus stalks (reserving the tips). Cook for 1 minute. Then add the asparagus tips and cook an additional minute.
Once the asparagus has cooked for two minutes, strain into a colander then soak in an ice bath. Once the asparagus is chilled remove from the water and set to the side.
Combine the oil and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
Meanwhile, bring the 5 cups of stock to a simmer in a saucepan.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter into the onions and garlic. Then add in the arborio rice. Cook on medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the rice is translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the wine and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup simmering stock and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, continue adding the broth, about ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy and has the texture of loose porridge, 17-20 minutes. Once the rice is fully cooked add the cooked asparagus and green peas. Mix well then season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with zested lemon peel and cheese. Mix well and serve.

Notes

Recipe Substitutions:
- Dairy Free Option - To make this recipe dairy free omit the butter and the grated cheese.
- Vegetarian Option - Use a a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Chicken Broth - It is important that you use low-sodium chicken broth for this recipe. As the rice cooks it will take on all the flavors of the broth. The lemon will also intensify the saltiness flavors.

Nutrition