Best Asparagus Risotto

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This is one of my very favorite side dishes – ever.

The Arborio rice turns to a creamy wonderful goodness.

Caramelized mushrooms and onions take the flavors of this dish off the charts.

A perfect accompaniment for any meat.

It takes a little bit of time to make, but so worth it for this gourmet dish.

Best Asparagus Risotto

Ingredients:

1 tsp. salt for cooking water

1 – 1 1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

4 Tbl. (1/2 stick) butter

3 -4 shallots, minced

1 cup uncooked Arborio rice (MUST be Arborio rice)

1 Tbl. fresh lemon juice

1 Tbl. garlic, minced

4 ½ – 5 cups chicken broth

1/3 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning

2 Tbl. olive oil

1 onion, diced onions

8 oz. mushrooms rough chopped, use Porto Bella if possible

1 tsp. sugar


Directions:

Prepare asparagus by allowing it to break at it’s natural point at the end; dispose of the bottom portion which will be tough and fibrous.Cut or break into bite-sized pieces

Mince shallots

 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Fill a large bowl with ice water.

When the water comes to a boil add asparagus to pot; blanch for 2 minutes.Immediately remove asparagus from pot and place them into ice water (to stop them from cooking and help retain their bright green color); set aside.

In a nonstick skillet, add olive oil and heat on med-high heat.  Add in onions and mushrooms. Cook until tender.Add in sugar and cook to a nice brown and sugary glaze, about 5 more minutes.Bring broth to a simmer and keep warm.

 Melt butter in a large pan.

Add shallots; cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add rice and toss to coat; cook for 2 minutes.

Add lemon juice and garlic; cook until all lemon juice has been absorbed, stirring continuously so rice does not stick to sides of pot, about 1 minute.

 Add ½ cup of hot broth to pot at a timeStir until absorbedRepeat with needed remaining broth 1/2 cup at a time, making sure each addition of broth is absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 45 minutes. When the rice turns creamy and just done (should be slightly chewy and not mushy)Remove pot from heat; add cheese, onions, mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, chicken Montreal seasoning and mix well.  

Stir in asparagus and serve.

Carrie Groneman’s recipe

Copyright Carrie Groneman, A Mother’s Shadow, 2014

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