Asparagus Risotto Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp Metropolitan Market Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 lb fresh asparagus (see below for preparation)
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup Asiago or Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional:
• 4 oz diced Metropolitan Market Kurobota Ham or
• 16 cooked shrimp

Directions:

1. Place broth in large saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and keep hot.
2. In a large shallow saucepan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat and sauté the asparagus, onion, and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent. Add the rice and stir until the rice kernels are well coated. Add the wine and stir until completely absorbed. 
3. Cook and stir, adding the hot chicken broth about a 1/2 cup at a time, and letting broth fully absorb into the rice before adding more. Continue adding broth until the rice is cooked (to the tooth or “al dente”) and has a creamy texture. Remove pan from heat. 
4. Add the peas, butter, and cheese to the risotto. Mix gently, season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. ASPARAGUS:
6. Break stalks, discard tough bottoms. Cut stalks into pieces about 1 inch long.