Rice: Risotto Primavera

By NicoleS

Most risotto requires stirring from start to finish; our risotto cooks undisturbed for the first 12 minutes. Only then do we break out the wooden spoon and stir continuously. Yet our finished dish is still remarkably creamy.

White button, shiitake, or portobello (caps only) mushrooms can be substituted for the cremini in this recipe. High-quality Parmesan makes a big difference here.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (2 cans)
• 1 cup water
• 8 teaspoons olive oil
• 6 ounces cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin (if using)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 6 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (if using)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring broth and water to simmer in saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.


2. Heat 4 teaspoons oil in medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, covered, until just starting to brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to bowl and set aside. Return now-empty pot to medium heat, add remaining 4 teaspoons oil, and heat until shimmering. Add onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until just beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until grains are translucent around edges, about 1 minute.


3. Stir in 3 cups broth, cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes. Stir in asparagus, cover, and cook 2 minutes longer. Add 1 cup broth and cook, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup broth and peas and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is creamy and al dente, 3 minutes longer. (note: I did not need to use all liquid at the end)


4. Off heat, stir in cooked mushrooms, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, basil, butter, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, passing extra Parmesan.