Cream of Asparagus Risotto

This is delicious served with a nice baked chicken or veal roast.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs asparagus
• 5  cups  canned low sodium chicken broth (about)
• 1  cup water
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  large onion
• 2  cups arborio rice or 2  cups medium-grain white rice
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 2  teaspoons  chopped fresh rosemary
• 1  cup  freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup  whipping cream
• 1  sprig fresh rosemary (to garnish)

Directions

1. Trim rough ends from asparagus; discard.
2. Cut off asparagus tips and reserve.
3. Cut stalks into 3/4 inch-long pieces.
4. Place 2/3 of stalk pieces, 1 cup broth and 1 cup water in blender, reserving the remaining 1/3 of stalk pieces.
5. Puree mixture until smooth.
6. Set aside.
7. Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add onion and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.
9. Add rice and stir 1 minute.
10. Add wine and cook until absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes.
11. Add 1/2 cup broth and chopped rosemary, simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 4 minutes.
12. Continue to cook for 15 minutes, adding more broth by 1/2 cupfuls and allowing liquid to be absorbed before adding more, stirring often.
13. Add reserved asparagus stalk pieces and reserved asparagus tips and continue cooking until rice is just tender and mixture is creamy; adding broth as needed and stirring often, about 10 minutes longer.
14. Add reserved asparagus puree and stir until absorbed, about 3 minutes.
15. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan and cream.
16. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
17. Transfer risotto to bowl.
18. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.
19. Serve, passing remaining Parmesan separately.