Recipe from BBC Good Food
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 200g)
- 800ml vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 25g butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 175g risotto rice
- 100ml white wine or vermouth (optional)
- 25g Parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated
Method
- Snap the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and tip them into a saucepan with the stock. Put on a low heat to very gently simmer. Meanwhile, cut off the tips of the asparagus, add to the stock for exactly 1 minute. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Finely slice the rest of the stalks into rounds.
- Heat the oil and half the butter in a heavy, wide pan. Cook the onions gently for 5 minutes until soft, stirring often. Add the chopped asparagus stalks and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the rice and continuously stir for a few minutes until it turns semi-transparent and makes a hissing sound.
- Stir in the wine, if using – it will evaporate almost immediately. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition until it is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Try the rice – it should feel just cooked with a slight bite to it. Stir in the asparagus tips and any last dregs of stock and cook for 1 or 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and top with the remaining butter and most of the Parmesan. Season generously, cover and leave for a few minutes to settle.
- Give the risotto a thorough stir to incorporate the butter and cheese and serve straight away with the remaining parmesan for sprinkling over.