Creamy Asparagus and Parmesan Risotto
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Asparagus Risotto recipe, perfect for a comforting dinner or a delightful side dish. Fresh asparagus adds a vibrant green color and a unique taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy risotto. This dish is not only satisfying but also showcases the natural flavor of the asparagus, enhanced by the richness of butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, this risotto is a true celebration of seasonal ingredients.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus
1-2 lb (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
long grain rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
apple juice
1/2 cup (can substitute with 2 tbsp apple juice concentrate mixed with water to fill the cup)
chicken broth
3 cups (warmed)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup (optional, for garnish)
ground black pepper
to taste (optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the asparagus. Rinse it under cold water, and then trim the tough ends off. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3
Stir in the rice, coating it with the butter and cooking for about 2 minutes. This will help toast the rice and enhance its flavor.
4
Pour in the apple juice and allow it to simmer, stirring frequently for about a minute until mostly absorbed.
5
Start adding the chicken broth, one half-cup at a time, stirring continuously. Wait for the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more broth. Continue this process for about 10 minutes.
6
Once 10 minutes have passed, add the cut asparagus to the risotto. Continue adding the chicken broth, stirring, until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired tenderness. This process should take around 20 to 30 minutes in total.
7
Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with ground black pepper to taste. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
8
Serve the risotto hot, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
26g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Asparagus and Parmesan Risotto?
It is a rich, creamy dish featuring fresh asparagus, butter, and Parmesan cheese, perfect as a main dinner or a side dish.
What are the main ingredients for this risotto?
The main ingredients include fresh asparagus, a medium onion, butter, long grain rice, apple juice, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
How much asparagus do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 pounds of fresh asparagus.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be rinsed, trimmed of its tough ends, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of rice is used in this risotto?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of uncooked long grain rice.
How much butter is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the purpose of using apple juice in the risotto?
Apple juice is used to add flavor; it is simmered with the rice until mostly absorbed before adding broth.
Can I substitute the apple juice?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of apple juice with 2 tablespoons of apple juice concentrate mixed with enough water to fill the cup.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of warmed chicken broth.
How do I add the chicken broth to the rice?
Add the broth one half-cup at a time, stirring continuously and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.
How long do I cook the rice before adding the asparagus?
You should add the broth and stir for about 10 minutes before adding the cut asparagus pieces.
What is the total cooking time for the rice and broth?
The entire process of adding broth and stirring takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes in total.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there a garnish recommendation?
Yes, you can optionally garnish the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 8.75g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 26g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
The risotto provides 5.25g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While tagged as vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken broth; you should substitute with vegetable broth to make it strictly vegetarian.
How do I prepare the onion?
One medium onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in butter until translucent.
What seasoning is suggested?
Ground black pepper is suggested to taste for seasoning.
How should the risotto be served?
It should be served hot, ideally topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why do I toast the rice in butter?
Toasting the rice for about 2 minutes helps enhance its flavor and coat it with butter.
What color does the asparagus add to the dish?
The fresh asparagus adds a vibrant green color to the creamy risotto.
What is the texture of this dish?
The dish is characterized by a rich and creamy texture.
At what heat should the onion be sautéed?
The onion should be sautéed over medium heat.
Can I use cold chicken broth?
The recipe recommends using warmed chicken broth for better absorption.
Is this a seasonal dish?
Yes, it is described as a celebration of seasonal ingredients, particularly fresh asparagus.