Spring time Risotto: Lemon, Asparagus, and mint

May 10, 2013


Has anyone looked at the forecast for this weekend? No, let me suggest that you don't. It's safe to say this risotto dish is perfect for the Spring we are having; it's warm, filling, and comforting - as is essential in this cold weather- but simultaneously fresh and makes use of this season's vegetables.


 (Makes 2 portions)

Ingredients
A knob of butter
Olive oil
A garlic clove
150g Arborio rice
Dash of white wine (optional)
700ml Vegetable stock
Half a bunch of asparagus cut into thirds
Several sprigs of mint
The juice from half a lemon
Parmesan or vegetarian equivalent 

Method

1. Add the butter, oil and garlic to the pan. Fry for several minutes making sure to keep stirring so that it doesn’t catch.


2. Pour in the rice. Once it has been coated in the butter and stirred for a few minutes it should be looking translucent. Splash in the wine.

3. Next, add a ladle full of the stock. Repeat once the rice has soaked up the liquid and keep stirring regularly.

4. Continue this step cooking at a medium heat so that the rice ends up neither too al dente nor mushy. Steam the asparagus and use this opportunity to season your risotto.

5. Once you have used up the stock, or you’re happy with the consistency of the risotto, add the asparagus to the rice.

6. Mix in the lemon juice, and Italian hard cheese. Fold in the mint leaves. Stir, and serve up.


If you're someone that needs meat then salmon or parma ham would compliment this dish wonderfully.




This is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine and, if you're lucky enough that the sun has stretched his generosity towards you slightly further, al fresco.


4 comments:

  1. Yum! That looks so amazing, and not beyond my skills or attention span in the kitchen. Love it!

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  2. TeaDrinkingBookLover10 May 2013 at 10:23

    Thank you Freya, I hope you try it! I know, it's nice and simple, but is a bit different from the every day dinners that we sometimes resort to X

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  3. This looks delicious, I once had a similar dish at the restaurant, it had the addition of peas but other than that I bet it was made just like this! When my exams finish I want to try your recipe, asparagus is my favourite spring vegetable :)

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  4. TeaDrinkingBookLover12 May 2013 at 22:58

    Oh I hope you do try it and love it. I know, you can't beat fresh asparagus, and it goes in to so many different dishes. X

    ReplyDelete