Lemony Risotto with Asparagus and Pears

Lemony Risotto with Asparagus and Pears
Be the first to
rate this recipe!
member ratings
Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 4
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 351.5
  • Total Fat: 7.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 20.4 mg
  • Sodium: 657.3 mg
  • Total Carbs: 63.6 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4.0 g
  • Protein: 9.4 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Lemony Risotto with Asparagus and Pears calories by ingredient


Introduction

When life gives you lemons, make risotto. The clean, citrusy spark brightens both the asparagus and the pears. When life gives you lemons, make risotto. The clean, citrusy spark brightens both the asparagus and the pears.
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

    3 cups chicken-flavor vegetable broth
    2 cups water
    3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
    1 small onion, finely chopped
    1 fresh pear, cut into 1-inch pieces
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
    1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
    1/4 cup Riesling or other sweet white wine
    1/4 cup lemon juice, divided
    1/4 cup grated parmesan
    2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Directions

Makes 4 main course servings.

Bring broth, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add asparagus and pears and simmer, uncovered, until just tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus and pears with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain. Keep broth at a bare simmer, covered.

Cook onion in 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine and 2 tablespoons lemon juice and simmer, stirring constantly, until absorbed.

Stir in 1/2 cup broth mixture and briskly simmer, stirring frequently, until absorbed. Continue adding broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until rice is creamy and tender but still al dente (it should be the consistency of a thick soup), about 18 minutes. (There may be leftover broth mixture.)

Stir in asparagus, remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter, parmesan, basil, and pepper to taste. (Thin risotto with some of remaining broth if necessary.)

Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user EMA816.