How to Make Asparagus and Morel Risotto - A Step-by-Step Guide

Asparagus and Morel Risotto is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the earthy flavors of morel mushrooms with the bright, fresh taste of asparagus. This recipe is perfect for a springtime dinner, as both asparagus and morel mushrooms are in peak season. The creamy texture of the risotto paired with the tender-crisp asparagus and meaty morels makes this dish a real showstopper.

While risotto has a reputation for being a bit labor-intensive, the effort is truly worth it when y...

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Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups chicken stock
  • ¼ cup olive oil, or more to taste, divided
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, divided
  • ½ pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces on the bias
  • ⅓ pound fresh morel mushrooms, halved
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Place chicken stock in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until butter starts to bubble. Add asparagus and morel mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate with any accumulated juices.
  • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in the same saucepan. Add shallot; cook and stir until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in arborio rice and cook until it starts to toast, about 1 minute. Pour in wine and cook until evaporated. Stir in thyme.
  • Pour 1/4 cup simmering stock over rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until stock is absorbed. Repeat with remaining stock until rice is tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Stir in asparagus and mushrooms with their juices and continue cooking until flavors combine, about 3 minutes more.
  • Remove rice from heat. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with balsamic vinegar and additional olive oil before serving.
  • Nutrition

    508 cal.

    • Total Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 37mg
    • Sodium: 748mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 54g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 10g
    • Vitamin C: 7mg
    • Calcium: 107mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 198mg