Picture this: its Sunday night, its 20 degrees outside, you need an excuse to crack open a bottle of wine…what do you do? Risotto of course!

There are few things as satisfying that that creamy, cheesy bowl of rice. Throw in a vegetable and you’ve got a delicious, warming Sunday night meal that you should never feel bad about!

I made this one with vegetable stock, cause ya know the whole vegetarian thing…but to be honest if you’re not super stressed about it, I would probably recommend going with the traditional chicken stock. The veggie stock is good and all, but I’m not going to lie to you and preach that using it yields exactly the same outcome…

Ingredients:

2 Tbs. Butter

1 Medium Yellow Onion

2.5 Cups Arborio Rice

Splash of dry white wine

Approximately 64 Oz Veggie or Chicken Stock

1 Bunch of Asparagus, chopped into 1 inch pieces

1 Cup finely grated Parmesan

1 Lemon

Salt and Pepper

Method:

1. Bring all of the stock to a simmer in a saucepan
2. While the stock is warming, melt the butter in a large pot
3. Dice the onion and saute in the butter
4. Once the onion is translucent add the rice and toast for approx. 3 minutes
5. Once the rice starts to become translucent, but the center is still opaque add a splash of wine to deglaze the pan
6. Stir until the wine is completely reduced
7. begin slowing adding the stock one ladle full at a time and stirring constantly
8. You know it is time to add more stock when you drag your spoon along the bottom of the pan and it leaves a trail
9. continue adding stock and stirring until the rice is tender (you may want to call in backup when your arms get tired!)
10. Once the rice is tender add the chopped asparagus, 3/4 of the Parmesan, the juice of 1 lemon, a heavy sprinkle of pepper and salt to taste
11. Stir that all together and let sit covered for 5 minutes to soften the asparagus
12.  Spoon into bowls, top with a sprinkle of parmesan, pour yourself a glass of that now open wine and enjoy!

 

This is a delicious, warm, comforting, but fresh (hello lemon!) option for a cold winter night. I hope you enjoy!