This recipe is our early-spring crush. Our minds are set on tender greens, yet we’re not ready to ditch the comfort food, because baby it’s still cold outside.
That said, head to the market for the most tender spring asparagus, peas (likely frozen, but fresh if you’re fortunate), leeks, and scallions. Next if you have it, defrost your homemade chicken stock, and then prep the ingredients.
It’s not difficult to prepare, and yet, you must stay at the stovetop as the rice absorbs the stock. Trust us, it’s worth the dedication. The end result is a chewy bite of arborio rice, tender greens, salty Parmigiano Reggiano, and thinly sliced scallions and more cheese for serving.
You’ll want the leftovers for breakfast. It’s that good.
Risotto with Asparagus and Peas
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups leeks, finely chopped
- 1 bunch thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces *only use the most tender stalks, reserving the others for a separate use
- 1 1/2 cup arborio rice
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 3/4 cup prosecco
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
- fresh scallions, thinly sliced, for serving
Instructions
- Bring the stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium in a deep skillet. Cook the leek stirring frequently, until soft, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring until the edges are translucent, 2-3 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring, just until evaporated.
- Add 1/2 cup of stock and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed. Continue adding 1/2 cup of stock in this manner until the liquid is creamy and the rice is al dente, about 20 minutes total (you may not need to add all the stock). Add the asparagus with the last addition of stock, and peas about 1 minute before the risotto is done.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Top with scallions and additional cheese before serving.
