Asparagus risotto

By Pippa Mattei

Photo by Ray Attard

The spring brings with it a whole new array of vegetables and perhaps the best of them are asparagus. Locally grown, these are lovely in a simple risotto served with lots of Parmesan cheese

Asparagus risotto

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 500g asparagus, woody ends removed
• 850ml chicken stock
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, peeled and very finely chopped
• 50g unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 250 g risotto rice
• 50ml vermouth
• 150g Parmesan, freshly grated

Method

1. Heat the chicken stock.
2. Cut the tips off the asparagus and keep to one side. Chop the tender parts of the stalks into approx. 2.5cm pieces.
3. Blanch the asparagus tips for 2 mins, then blanch the stalks for about 3 mins. 
4. In a blender, pulse the stalks with a ladle of the stock.
5. In a heavy saucepan, cook the onion in half the butter and the oil over a low heat for about 6 mins until soft. 
6. Add the rice and cook gently, stirring for 2 mins to coat the rice with the oil. 
7. Start to add the hot stock, ladle by ladle, stirring constantly, allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. 
8. Continue until the rice is al dente, usually about 20 mins.
9. Add the stalk puree, vermouth, asparagus tips, the rest of the butter, and the Parmesan.
10. Stir to combine and season. 
11. Serve with more Parmesan.

For more of Pippa Mattei’s recipes, to purchase her award-winning cook boos or to book cooking classes with her, visit her website at www.pippamattei.com