Asparagus…
I’ve roasted it, tossed it into salads, and stuffed it in enchiladas. But truthfully, I don’t usually do much with asparagus besides steam them and dunk ‘em in mayonnaise.
My neighborhood’s Gourmet Club had our monthly dinner last weekend (Tuscan-Themed) and Asparagus Risotto was one of the dishes served. It was so delicious with our Lamb Osso Buco that I decided to make it for myself this week. It turned out to be quite a nice lunch that I prepared especially for… Me. Yep, just me and Mario Batali (er rather, his recipe).
Here’s the How-To on how to prepare Asparagus Risotto:
Here’s what you’ll need… dry white wine, olive oil, asparagus stalks & tips, Parmesan, butter, red onion, broth/stock and risotto.
Some of the asparagus stalks are pureed with a small amount of water.
Red onion is sauteed in butter & olive oil.
Risotto is then mixed in… wine poured over and stirred until evaporated.
Grab a large cup of patience… and a half cup of warmed chicken broth. Add a half cup of broth and stir fairly often until the broth becomes absorbed. Repeat with another half cup, etc., etc…. for 15 minutes. Don’t leave it all alone on the stove. Give it your full attention for best results 
Dear Mario, Yes, I’m aware that this risotto would be infinitely better if I had used a rich and flavorful chicken stock. Next time I have some homemade stock, I promise to make it again the Mario way 
Stir in the remaining stalks and tips & stir for about 5 more minutes.
When risotto is tender with a slight firmness still attached to it, remove it from heat and add asparagus puree…
…and Parmesan.
This was one yummy lunch. Just for me. I treat myself pretty well, don’t ya think? The only thing this dish was missing was a big glass of white wine to accompany it. I thought it would be wise to avoid the scandal of being the tipsy PTA Mom picking her child up from school, so I quickly nixed that idea.
Guess I should let asparagus take the lead in dishes more often… and let it live a life beyond the underappreciated steamy side dish.
This recipe can be found HERE.
44 Comments
I love asparagus!! Love it! This looks delicious!
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This looks incredible. And so suitable for Spring. I love that you called your asparagus sexy
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I like that you treated yourself so well and made this dish just for you.
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I love risotto! I make mine in the pressure cooker though so it is much faster. I’m going to have to try this one soon… and maybe I won’t share it w/the family!
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My culinary experiments with asparagus end up about the same: olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a grill. I really need to branch out more especially since asparagus is starting to pop up everywhere here.
I died of laughter when I saw the close up that was labeled because it reminded me of Wayne’s World Extreme Closeup.
Perfect way to take asparagus from a side dish to the main star. Nicely done!
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Asparagus is so plentiful and inexpensive right now. This looks great and your pictures look fabulous!
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Love the close-up!
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I love asparagus too, but never make anything time-consuming with it because my husband detests it! Maybe I’ll make a batch for myself one of these days…
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I’ve thought of doing an asparagus risotto, though I keep going back to mushroom. With asparagus season here, I may have to add some grilled tips to my next risotto!
That first shot makes me just want to eat the asparagus raw, though!
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Yum! Looks delicious and so seasonal. I love the puree in there – great color and flavor enhancer. I’ll take some please!
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Looking good! That is my kind of meal.
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Absolutely gorgeous! Serve with a big glass of wine and indulge!
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Awesome! I don’t make a lot of risotto, but I LOVE asparagus and this looks like my kind of lunch! Thanks! I’m going to try this soon.
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YUM!!!! oh my that looks delicious!! i just LOVE the beautiful fun layout of your blog!!
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This might be the perfect side dish for my weekend dinner. Gonna do steak and morels with asparagus but this would be even better!!!
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Loved this recipe, and your “sexy asparagus” shot! Hey, we have to treat ourselves from time to time too!
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Oh, yum! Check out that green hue. Sure sign of goodness interspersed throughout. I love asparagus and I’m sure this was amazing!
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You got me. I thought you were going to dish on lunch with Mario himself. LOL
I love asparagus roasted best, but your recipe looks really great too.
Michelle
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Lunch with Mario sounds wonderful. I’ve only succeeded with risotto a couple of times and it’s been asparagus risotto. But I really like this particular recipe for he asparagus puree. I bet that really brings it to a blissful state.
Thanks for sharing this!
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We could eat asparagus any day, and risotto (with a few mushrooms!) is perfect. But it’s just as good in aioli.
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Sounds and looks scrumptious! You can invite me for lunch anytime.
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Beautiful dish!
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This looks warm and wonderful! Great pictures too! And I have a prize for you today!!
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oh what a nice view !! just delicious!
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DAMN incredible looking!! Just yummy looking!!
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Lori, that looks incredible! I’d like a big old bowl of that right now.
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This is so pretty as well as good! Your dinner group makes some pretty darn good food!
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Sure beats my lunch,Lori,wow. It looks beautiful!! I’ve got the stock in the freezer–just need the asparagus now.
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This looks o delicious! I’ve been using lots of asparagus this spring and this would be a great meal!
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I think you treat yourself really well!
That’s some sexy risotto all around. Nice job!
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Mmm, that asparagus is quite sexy!! Your risotto looks perfect. Mario would be so proud. Talk about a delicious dish. I want some right now!
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Such a nice recipe. I really appreciate the detailed step by step photos.
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LOOOVE MARIO!!! And risotto
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OK, I now how I am going to use that risotto rice I have left from my party. It looks amazing!
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That looks fabulous! Love asparagus, but have never made risotto so it just might be high time to get to it.
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This looks really delicious. You and Mario had a great lunch. Congrats on winning my cookbook at Chef Bliss.
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That looks scrumptious! I love asparagus and this looks like a fantastic recipe. Love the pear shaped bowl too!
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What a beautiful spring dish! Fresh asparagus is just the best.
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Mmmm I love risotto. Never thought of using asparagus. One to try I think. Looks lovely
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What a nice spring risotto. I am looking forward to the fresh local asparagus.
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Gorgeous and simple…like the decorated asparagus heads on the top.
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My daughter made this for our dinner and it was wonderful! Thanks for the recipe.
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Going to try this, it looks really yummy!
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This recipe looks delicious! I’ve never made risotto, but I was stumbling for one to try and I think I’ll be attempting this version! Thanks for the great recipe!
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