Riso con Asparagi

Riso con Asparagi is a delightful Italian side dish that combines tender asparagus with creamy risotto, creating a rich and nutritious experience. This dish celebrates the fresh flavors of spring and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish.

Riso con Asparagi
30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Italian
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Arborio rice - 150 grams
  • Fresh asparagus - 200 grams
  • Vegetable broth - 500 milliliters
  • Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic - 1 clove, minced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
  • Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste

Steps

  1. Prepare the vegetable broth and keep it warm in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut them into 2-3 cm pieces, leaving the tips intact.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and asparagus pieces (not the tips) to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is tender.
  5. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the rice is well coated with oil and slightly toasted.
  6. Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle.
  7. After about 15 minutes, when the rice is nearly cooked, add the asparagus tips and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Let the risotto sit for a minute before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbs: 58 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is a good source of fiber.
  • This dish provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and is low in saturated fat.

Tags

ItalianHealthySide Dish