Asparagus Risotto Recipe Vegan: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious

Asparagus risotto is a classic Italian dish that captures the essence of spring with its fresh, vibrant flavors and creamy texture. This vegan version transforms the traditional recipe by using plant-based ingredients to create a luscious, comforting meal that anyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a cozy dinner at home, this asparagus risotto recipe is simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste.

Made with tender asparagus, creamy Arborio rice, and a rich vegetable broth, this dish delivers a perfect balance of earthiness and brightness. The risotto’s velvety consistency is achieved without any dairy, relying instead on nutritional yeast and a touch of plant-based butter for that irresistible umami kick.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it as wholesome as it is delicious.

If you love risotto but want to keep your meals plant-based and healthy, this asparagus risotto recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire. Don’t forget to check out other vegan delights like our Half Runner Beans Recipe or the delightful Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for more wholesome inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan asparagus risotto stands out because it combines simplicity with gourmet flair. Perfectly cooked Arborio rice absorbs the vegetable broth slowly, creating that signature creamy texture without any cream.

The fresh asparagus lends a slightly grassy, sweet flavor that complements the savory base beautifully.

Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable—whether you’re gluten-free, soy-free, or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, you can tweak it easily. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying a rich and satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is totally vegan.

Finally, the step-by-step instructions are beginner-friendly, making it easy for even novice cooks to achieve professional results. You’ll love how this risotto turns out silky, flavorful, and utterly comforting every time.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet or wide saucepan
• Medium saucepan (for warming broth)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Bowl (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable broth: Pour the vegetable broth into a medium saucepan and keep it simmering on low heat throughout the cooking process. Keeping the broth warm ensures the risotto cooks evenly.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Arborio rice: Stir the Arborio rice into the onion and garlic mixture, coating each grain with oil. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This step helps build flavor and texture.
4. Deglaze with white wine (optional): Pour in the dry white wine, stirring continuously until the liquid is almost completely absorbed. This adds a subtle depth of flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
5. Begin adding broth: Add a ladleful of warm vegetable broth to the rice. Stir gently but constantly until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Continue adding broth one ladle at a time, stirring and waiting for absorption before adding more. This slow process allows the rice to release its starch, creating creaminess.
6. Cook asparagus: When you have about half the broth left, stir in the asparagus pieces. Continue cooking and adding broth until the rice is al dente and the asparagus is tender but still vibrant green, about 18-20 minutes total.
7. Finish risotto: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the vegan butter, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The vegan butter and nutritional yeast give the risotto a rich, savory finish without dairy.
8. Serve immediately: Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“To achieve perfectly creamy risotto, patience is key—slowly adding broth and stirring gently allows the rice to release its starch, creating that luscious texture.”

• Use homemade vegetable broth: For the best flavor, make your own broth or use a quality store-bought version.
• Swap asparagus for other veggies: Try peas, spinach, or artichoke hearts for seasonal variations.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with onions for an earthy twist.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your broth is as well.
• For extra creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or a dollop of cashew cream at the end.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan asparagus risotto pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chickpeas or a grilled portobello mushroom.

A glass of chilled vegan white wine complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the subtle flavors.

If you’re in the mood for dessert afterward, try the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the light and fluffy Glazed Twist Donut Recipe — both vegan-friendly and utterly delightful.

Conclusion

This vegan asparagus risotto recipe is a true celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients combined with classic Italian cooking techniques. It proves that plant-based meals can be just as indulgent and comforting as traditional dishes, without compromising on flavor or texture.

The creamy, vibrant risotto is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying, wholesome experience.

Once you master this recipe, you’ll find it easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and herbs, making it a versatile staple in your vegan cooking arsenal. Don’t forget to explore more tasty plant-based recipes like our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a quick flavor boost or the hearty Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe for a sweet finish.

Happy cooking!

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