Creamy Spring Asparagus Risotto

Begin by thoroughly rinsing the asparagus and trimming away the tough, pale ends.

Save these white trimmings: place them in a large pot with at least 2 liters of water and bring to a boil to create a homemade vegetable broth—this will infuse your risotto with extra asparagus flavor.

Peel a fresh onion, removing the outermost layers, and add these to your broth as well. This step pays homage to traditional Italian kitchens, where nothing goes to waste and every component adds to the depth of flavor.

Finely dice the remaining onion and heat a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium-sized sauté pan over low heat.

Add the chopped onion, gently cooking until it turns translucent and aromatic, releasing its sweetness.

Stir in the risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli) and toast it briefly, allowing the grains to absorb the oil and begin to release their characteristic nutty aroma.

Pour in a splash of dry white wine, letting it sizzle and evaporate completely—this classic step brings a subtle acidity that balances the dish.

Add two cups of your hot homemade broth to the rice base, seasoning with a pinch of salt to start.

Continue cooking, stirring gently, and adding additional broth in increments to ensure the rice cooks evenly and achieves its signature creamy texture. This process should take about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to slowly release its starches.

Halfway through, incorporate the chopped asparagus spears into the risotto, ensuring the tender green pieces cook through but retain their vibrant color and delicate bite.

Once the rice reaches a perfect 'al dente' texture, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in a generous handful of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a knob of high-quality butter for creaminess and rich flavor.

Taste and adjust with additional salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.

Gently combine all the ingredients, cover, and let the risotto rest for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become luxuriously creamy. Serve immediately for the best experience.