Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto Recipe

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Trim and discard the woody ends of the asparagus. Cut trimmed spears into 1-inch sections, reserving the tips separately.

Step 2

In a saucepan, bring chicken stock to a boil. Poach asparagus tips in stock 2 min. Using a skimmer, drain and rinse under cold water. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Add asparagus sections to the boiling stock and poach 3 min. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside with the asparagus still in it.

Step 4

In a heavy-bottomed pot or risotto pan, melt butter and sweat onion 5 min without browning. Add rice and stir for 1 min. Add wine and cook 2 min at low heat while stirring.

Step 5

Reheat the chicken stock with the asparagus sections in it. Add one ladle of hot stock to the rice. Cook and stir until all the liquid has been absorbed. Repeat the process until all the stock has been used and the rice is creamy but still al dente (about 18 minutes).

Step 6

Add cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cheese and two thirds of the shrimp or crab and the asparagus tips. Reheat the risotto while stirring gently.

Step 7

Serve risotto in warm shallow bowls and garnish with remaining shrimp and asparagus.

Step 8

Adding a final touch of cream to a risotto enhances its consistency and velvety texture, making it even more fabulous to bite into.

Tips

No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When selecting the shrimp, be sure to pick shrimp that is already cooked and peeled.
When selecting asparagus, look for bright green stalks that are firm to the touch.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock: This substitution will make the dish vegetarian friendly and provide a greater depth of flavor for the risotto.
Substitute cooked tofu for the shrimp: This substitution will make the dish vegan friendly and still provide the same texture and flavor to the risotto.

Variations

Mushroom & Spinach Risotto Substitute the asparagus for 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of chopped spinach. Omit the shrimp or crab and add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Follow the same instructions as for the original recipe.

Serve with

Roasted Garlic & Herb Potatoes - Roasted garlic and herb potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to the creamy and flavorful Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto. The potatoes provide a delicious contrast in texture to the risotto and the garlic and herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor.

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breasts

RECOMMENDED DISH DESCRIPTION: Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Breasts provide a light and zesty contrast to the creamy risotto. The tangy lemon and garlic flavors pair perfectly with the potatoes and risotto, creating a delicious and balanced meal.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to cook the risotto?

A: It typically takes about 18 minutes of cooking and stirring for the rice to become creamy and al dente.

Q: What ingredients do I need to make risotto?

A: You will need arborio rice, butter, onion, white wine, vegetable or chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Optional ingredients can include garlic, mushrooms, herbs, and other vegetables.