Evan Fitzmaurice's

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

A delicious plate of Lemon Asparagus Risotto with a browned leek butter sauce

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, known for its rich, creamy texture. It’s made by slowly cooking short-grain rice like Arborio and adding broth little by little. While traditional risottos often include ingredients like mushrooms or seafood, spring versions focus on fresh seasonal produce. Lemon asparagus risotto is a great example—it brings together the zesty, fresh taste of lemon with tender asparagus, a vegetable loved in Italy since ancient times. This dish not only celebrates the history of risotto but also makes the most of spring’s freshest ingredients.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy this risotto because it highlights bright, fresh flavours. Asparagus is one of the first vegetables to grow after winter, adding a light, earthy taste and a bit of crunch. The lemon keeps things fresh and balances the creamy rice. Plus, eating seasonal produce means getting the best flavors and nutrients. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, lemon asparagus risotto is a delicious way to welcome the warmer weather and enjoy the best that spring has to offer.

Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
A delicious plate of Lemon Asparagus Risotto with a browned leek butter sauce
Cook Time: 35 mins
Description:

This dish, lemon asparagus risotto, is a beautiful use of seasonal asparagus, and leeks, the creaminess of the rice as it cooks down slowly. The lemon cuts through that richness, and allows the earthiness of the vegetables to shine. Combined with the bite of the cheese crisp, this creates a textural variation that makes every bite a new experience.

Note: Parmesan contains rennet, so be sure to check the label to make sure that it says suitable or vegetarians, or alternatively you can use a semi hard cheese like Gouda for a similar experience.

Ingredients:
Risotto:
• 500
gram of
Sushi rice
• 1.25
litres of
vegetable stock
• 1
bunch of
asparagus
• 1
shallot (minced)
• 1
clove of
garlic (crushed)
Parmesan
White wine
• 1
lemon (zest and juice)
• 1
tbsp of
pesto
Brown Butter Leeks:
• 1
leek
• 2
tbsp of
butter
Parmesan Crisp:
• 1
tbsp of
grated parmesan (for each crisp)
Cooking Method:
Risotto:

Warm the vegetable stock in saucepan

Sautee the shallot and garlic until fragrant, then add the rice and lemon zest, and heat until the rice starts to turn translucent. Deglaze with the white wine and lemon juice.

Start adding in the stock in small increments, only adding more once the stock has been fully absorbed.

Start adding in the stock in small increments, only adding more once the stock has been fully absorbed.

Brown Butter Leeks:

Heat the butter over low heat until is starts to brown, then add the sliced leek. Cook until soft.

Parmesan Crisps:

Heat the Parmesan over low heat, until it melts and the edges start to brown. Shape while it's still warm. Set aside to cool.

Asparagus tips::

Asparagus tips:

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