Springtime Risotto with Leeks, Snap Peas, & Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely minced (or small onion)
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 large leeks, cleaned well and sliced (see note)
1 cup arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese (see note)
1 cup fresh snap peas, cleaned
1 cup frozen peas
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-in pieces
Fresh basil, chives, or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Melt the olive oil and butter together in a large pot or skillet.
Add the shallots and garlic and sauté over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add the leeks and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until softened. Increase the heat slightly and add the rice.
Toast the rice for a couple of minutes and then add the wine.
Cook, stirring frequently until the wine is mostly evaporated.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the stock, a half cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. After each batch of stock is added, allow the risotto to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, before adding more stock. It’s a gradual process. You want to give the rice enough time to fully absorb the stock while releasing its starch. This lends to a creamy, tender texture. This process will take roughly 20-25 minutes. Don’t rush it! Once all the stock has been added, the rice should be cooked through and creamy.
Add the snap peas and asparagus, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes or until the veggies are steamed and tender. Add the zest and juice of the lemon and the cheeses, stirring well to incorporate.
Finally, add the frozen peas and cook until just heated through about 2 minutes.
Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Cook’s Notes:
To thoroughly clean leeks, rinse with water and then slice into pieces. Place the leek pieces in a bowl of cold water and gently move them around in the water. This will allow all the sand and dirt to sink to the bottom of the bowl while the leeks stay on the surface of the water. Carefully remove the cleaned leeks from the water with a slotted spoon and discard the dirty water.
You can sub in goat cheese, cream cheese, or even a few splashes of cream for the mascarpone cheese. Anything that will add a little extra creaminess!
To reheat risotto, I add it back to a pan on the stove and add in another ½ cup of stock or water. Warm it gently over low heat, stirring to incorporate the liquid. This will bring it back to its creamy state!
Recipe courtesy of yestoyolks.com.
Asparagus isn’t a big issue here (I’m fine with it and my partner… tolerates it 
) but I think adding in the radish would be a lovely addition even if the asparagus stays 
The more veggies involved, the healthier the dish! 
