Cooking time:

25 minutes

Preparation time:

10 minutes

Makes:

4 to 6 servings

 
Roberto Caruso

Ingredients

• 1  bunch asparagus, preferably thin stalks, about 1/2 lb (250 g)
• 2  garlic cloves
• 1  large lemon
• 1 tbsp ( 15 mL) butter
• 1 cup ( 250 mL) rice, preferably arborio
• 1 cup ( 250 mL) dry white wine
• 10 oz ( 284 mL) can undiluted regular chicken broth
• 1-1/2 cups ( 375 mL) water
• 2  green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1/2 cup ( 125 mL) prosciutto, cut into thin strips (optional)
• 3/4 cup ( 175 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ( 250 mL) fresh or frozen peas

Asparagus and lemon are a match made in heaven. Here, we’ve brought them together in an upscale creamy risotto–perfect for a springtime party, a light main or first course. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken and skip the prosciutto and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian entree.

Instructions

• Wash asparagus well, then snap off tough ends. Slice spears diagonally into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces. Finely mince garlic and grate peel from lemon. Squeeze out enough lemon juice to measure 1/4 cup (50 mL). Melt butter in a large wide saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir often for 1 minute. Add rice and stir until coated with butter, about 1 more minute.
• Stir in wine, lemon juice and peel. Stir gently until rice absorbs nearly all of liquid, from 3 to 5 minutes. Then add undiluted broth and water, but add only 1/3 cup (75 mL) at a time. Stir almost continuously after each addition, until most of liquid is absorbed, before adding next amount. This is essential for a creamy texture. During this stage, prepare onions, prosciutto, if using, and cheese.
• With last addition of water, add asparagus and peas. Continue to stir often until rice is tender and asparagus and peas are cooked, from 3 to 5 minutes. Mixture should be soupy. Then stir in onions, prosciutto, if using, and Parmesan. Serve immediately as one course of a special dinner or main course of a light dinner.

Nutrition (per Serving)

protein

11.8 g

fat

6.5 g

carbohydrates

34 g

fibre

2.7 g

iron

1.3 mg

calcium

200 mg

sodium

576 mg

calories

252 

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