Asparagus Risotto Recipe Vegetarian Made Easy and Delicious

Asparagus risotto is a delicious and creamy Italian dish that perfectly celebrates the fresh, green flavors of spring. This vegetarian recipe combines tender asparagus tips with arborio rice, white wine, and a touch of Parmesan cheese to create a comforting meal that’s both elegant and simple to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this risotto will impress with its vibrant color and luscious texture.

Risotto is known for its creamy consistency and rich flavor, and when paired with asparagus, it becomes a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and vegetable lovers alike. The key to a great risotto lies in patience and constant stirring, which allows the rice to release its starch, creating that signature creamy texture without any cream added.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to make a restaurant-worthy asparagus risotto right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This asparagus risotto recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal vegetables in a comforting, creamy dish. It’s:

• Vegetarian-friendly but packed with flavor, making it a hearty main or side dish.
• Simple to prepare with straightforward ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
• Customizable — add your favorite herbs, swap Parmesan for vegan cheese, or toss in some sautéed mushrooms.
• Perfectly balanced with fresh asparagus, aromatic garlic, and the subtle acidity of white wine.
• Impressively creamy without heavy cream, thanks to the traditional risotto cooking technique.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will help you master risotto and enjoy a fresh, seasonal meal.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus (about 12-15 spears), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

• Large saucepan or deep skillet
• Medium saucepan (for warming broth)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

Instructions

1. Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus, trim the woody ends, and cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Set aside the tips for garnish if desired.
2. Warm the broth: Pour the vegetable broth into a medium saucepan and keep it warm over low heat throughout the cooking process.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
5. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until it’s almost fully absorbed by the rice.
6. Add broth gradually: Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait for the liquid to be mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
7. Cook the asparagus: About halfway through the broth addition (after about 10 minutes), stir in the chopped asparagus pieces. This will allow them to cook but remain tender-crisp.
8. Check rice texture: Taste the risotto towards the end of cooking. The rice should be creamy and tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If needed, add a little more broth and continue cooking.
9. Finish the risotto: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter, the grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Garnish and serve: Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with reserved asparagus tips and fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Tips & Variations

“Constant stirring and gradual broth addition are key to achieving a creamy risotto texture.”

• Use homemade broth: For extra flavor, prepare your own vegetable broth or use a high-quality store-bought option.
• Make it vegan: Swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, and use olive oil instead of butter.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onion for an earthy twist.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh thyme or tarragon to complement the asparagus flavor.
• Try different cheeses: Besides Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can add a unique flavor profile.
• Advance prep: Prepare the broth and chop vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This asparagus risotto pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a more decadent option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or grilled halloumi cheese.

You can also add a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Looking for other comforting vegetarian dishes? Try our Kosher Vegetarian Recipes collection or satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner with the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

For a fun breakfast or snack companion, check out the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Conclusion

Asparagus risotto is a timeless dish that brings together the best of Italian culinary tradition and the fresh flavors of spring vegetables. Its creamy texture, bright green asparagus, and subtle hints of garlic and wine make it a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

With just a handful of ingredients and some attention to stirring, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this asparagus risotto will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Happy cooking!

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