Pasta & rice main dishes

Asparagus and wild hops risotto

⏱ 10 min🍳 20 min👤 2 pp★★★☆☆

In season ingredients represent the best choice for any dish. Colours, tastes and smells, if coming from in season ingredients, make a dish even more savory! Learn how to exploit the area where you live and its products. If you can't find any wild hops, don't worry: you can use watercress, nettles, sorrel, ramps, or any other herbs.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 385 kcal / serving

Protein
9g
Carbohydrates
72g
Fat
5g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
10 minutes Total time
20 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Rinse your asparagus under clean running water and take off the outer layer with a vegetable peeler. Cut off the tips and slice the stalks. Blanch the tips. Slice the leek and mince the wild hops. Sautè the leek together with the herbs , the asparagus (except from the tips) and the herbs. Add and toast your rice. Simmer with white wine, then add water to cover. Add salt as needed. Cook simmering adding water if necessary. Make your risotto creamy by adding butter and parmesan. Whisk well, then serve decorating with the asparagus tips.

Tips
A good local white wine is the best choice to pair with this great risotto.
Trivia
Wild hops are in season in spring. Did you know it?

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto with added butter and Grana Padano

One of the tastiest variations of Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto is certainly the one that includes the addition of butter and Grana Padano. This combination not only enriches the dish with flavor but also gives it an irresistible creaminess. The butter, melted during the final stirring, provides a velvety texture, while the freshly grated Grana Padano enhances the taste of the asparagus and bruscandoli. To prepare this variation, simply follow the basic recipe, adding the butter and cheese just before serving. This combination makes the risotto perfect for a refined lunch or an elegant dinner, bringing to the table a dish that satisfies lovers of traditional Italian cuisine.

Venetian Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto

The Venetian Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto is a regional interpretation that celebrates the authentic flavors of Veneto. In this variation, the recipe is enriched with typical ingredients from the Venetian tradition, such as vialone nano rice, perfect for making creamy risottos. The cooking is done slowly, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavor of the fresh, seasonal asparagus and bruscandoli. By using sweet spring onions, the dish gains a note of delicacy that pairs well with the rusticity of the bruscandoli. Served with a sprinkle of Grana Padano, this risotto represents a true homage to Venetian cuisine, ideal for those who wish to savor the authentic tastes of this region.

Light Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto without butter

For those who desire a lighter version of Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto, it can be made without butter, replacing it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This light version retains the fresh and delicate flavors of the asparagus and bruscandoli but with fewer calories. The preparation is similar to the traditional one: start by sautéing the spring onion in oil, then add the asparagus and bruscandoli. The rice is cooked with vegetable broth, making the dish light yet flavorful. With this variation, you can enjoy a healthy and nutritious risotto, ideal for those following a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional benefits of asparagus and properties of risotto

Asparagus is an ingredient rich in beneficial properties. They contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as important minerals like potassium and iron. They are known for their antioxidant and diuretic properties, making them a great ally for health. Bruscandoli, on the other hand, are a source of fiber and B vitamins, contributing to intestinal well-being. A serving of Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto provides about 350 calories per portion, depending on the amounts of rice and seasonings used. This makes it an ideal dish for a balanced meal, rich in nutrients and fresh flavors.

Can Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto be frozen?

The question of whether it is possible to freeze Asparagus and Bruscandoli Risotto is common among those who love to prepare this dish in advance. In general, risotto is a food that tends to lose its creaminess and texture once frozen and thawed. However, if you wish to preserve it, it is advisable to do so immediately after cooking, allowing it to cool completely and transferring it to an airtight container. When you decide to consume it, it is best to reheat it slowly, adding a bit of broth to restore creaminess. It is worth remembering that the quality of fresh ingredients, such as asparagus and bruscandoli, may not be the same after freezing, so it is recommended to consume it fresh to fully appreciate its flavor.