Spring Risotto With Asparagus

This recipe is from Vanessa Lanier, chef of the High Point (North Carolina) Country Club. While it is time-consuming, the creamy result is worth the effort. The recipe was published in a local periodical.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 1  lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into small pieces
• 1 3⁄4 cups  fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 cups onions, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  cup  frozen peas
• 1  cup arborio rice, uncooked
• 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 cup  neufchatel cheese
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1  ounce parmesan cheese, shaved
• 2  tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

Directions

1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, add 1/4 cup water to 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Add onion; cook 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in peas, uncooked rice, and salt; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in 1 cup broth mixture; cook for 4 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until liquid is absorbed before adding more (about 20 minutes total).
5. Stir in asparagus, Neufchâtel cheese, and pepper; cook 1 minute. Spoon 1 cup risotto into each of 4 bowls.
6. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese; sprinkle evenly with thyme.