Asparagus and Lemon Risotto with Shaved Reggiano

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Asparagus
• 1 medium yellow Onion
• 3 to 3 1/2 quarts chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds Carnaroli or Arborio rice
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 lemon, juice and grated zest
• 1 cup grated Reggiano Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped Chervil or Italian Parsley
• Reggiano Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Break off the tough ends of the Asparagus by holding the spear at the base of the tip and the root end and bending downward. Allow the Asparagus to break naturally at the most tender point. Cut the tips off on the diagonal and slice in half. Slice the remaining stem on the diagonal 1/4” thick. Reserve with tips.

Peel, trim and dice the Onion finely. Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a pot large enough to accommodate it. Reduce the heat and keep it at a simmer.

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed stockpot until it bubbles and starts to turn golden. Add the Onions and sauté them until they are translucent and tender, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add the rice and sauté until it is hot. Add the white wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until the rice has absorbed the wine. Start to add the simmering chicken stock to the rice one ladleful at a time. Wait until the rice absorbs the stock before adding more; keep adding the stock and stirring constantly for 14 minutes.

Add the lemon juice and zest, then add the Asparagus and cook 4 to 6 minutes more, adding stock as necessary, until the rice is tender but not mushy or soupy. The rice should be creamy and silky with the individual grains holding their shape. Fold in the grated cheese and Chervil; season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with shaved Reggiano Parmesan. Serves 8 as a main course or 12 as an appetizer.

Asparagus | Onion | Chervil or Italian Parsley