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Spring Green Risotto

Indulge in a spring green risotto with asparagus, peas, lemon zest, and mascarpone. A flavorful dish bursting with seasonal flavors!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 -8 Servings
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tablespoons good olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups chopped leeks white and light green parts (2 leeks)
  • 1 cup chopped fennel
  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • cup dry white wine
  • 4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock preferably homemade
  • 1 pound thin asparagus
  • 10 ounces frozen peas defrosted, or 1 ½ cups shelled fresh peas
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest 2 lemons
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • cup mascarpone cheese preferably Italian
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan plus extra for serving
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives plus extra for serving

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender.
  • Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed.
  • Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally into 1 ½-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
  • When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
  • Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture, plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken stock for the best flavor, if possible.
  • Cut the asparagus diagonally for a more visually appealing presentation.
  • Blanch the asparagus and peas until al dente to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
  • Stir the risotto constantly while adding the chicken stock gradually to ensure a creamy consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your preference.
  • Let the risotto rest off the heat for a few minutes after adding the mascarpone, Parmesan, and chives for a final touch of creaminess.
  • Serve the risotto hot, garnished with additional chives and Parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different variations, such as adding cooked diced chicken, mushrooms, or herbs for added depth of flavor.
  • Pair the Spring Green Risotto with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine for a complementary beverage choice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cup | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 400mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g