Asparagus Risotto Recipe

I recently made a rather unconventional risotto with bamboo. I chose bamboo because it has a very similar texture to asparagus, which is a very traditional element in risotto. You need to know the classics in order to come up with your own twist.

Lulu had a craving for the starchy arborio rice dish. Asparagus are in season so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to please my hubby and to share this recipe with you. Enjoy!

1. Info for Asparagus Risotto Recipe

• Cook Time: unavailable
• Total Time: unavailable
• Servings: 6
• Calories: unavailable

2. Ingredients for Asparagus Risotto Recipe

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 cup melon-seed-shaped pasta
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 6-3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warm
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons mushroom powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 cup aged yellow cheddar, shredded
• 1/4 cup romano cheese powder
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese powder, + extra, to taste and for garnish
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1-1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon truffle oil, for drizzling

3. Directions:

1. Trim about 2 inches from the root. Cut the asparagus into 3-inch pieces. Blanch the asparagus for 3 minutes in boiling water then transfer into an ice bath. (Dip the heads of the asparagus for 2 minutes only). Drain thoroughly of all water, then pat dry on a paper towel. Do not overcook, as the asparagus will continue to cook in the risotto mixture later; it should be still tender and crisp and not mushy or you would have depleted all the healthy nutrients. In a deep saucepan, sauté the coarsely chopped garlic cloves in oil until golden. Transfer about half the amount of garlic onto a plate and set aside. In the same saucepan, add the shallots, stir until light golden, then sauté the asparagus for about 3 minutes. Add a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of parsley. Remove from the heat and transfer to the same plate with the garlic cloves.
2. In the same saucepan, add 3 tablespoons of butter and wait until it bubbles. Add the garlic until light golden, then add the pasta and rice. The butter should coat all the grains. Add 1 cup of broth and stir constantly.
3. After bringing the liquid to a boil, add garlic powder, romano cheese and cheddar then lower the heat to medium low for about 15 to 20 minutes. Season with mushroom powder. Check the liquid and periodically add 1/4 cup of stock when all the liquid is absorbed.  Let simmer for another 15 minutes.
4. When rice is almost cooked, add the asparagus, remaining golden garlic, parmesan cheese and remaining butter. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
5. Spray some truffle oil and sprinkle more parmesan before serving.
6. Bon appétit!