The Creamiest Pea and Asparagus Risotto Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful pea and asparagus risotto sparks joy in every home cook’s kitchen.

Creamy rice dishes offer comfort like few other meals can.

Seasonal vegetables bring vibrant colors and fresh flavors to this classic Italian specialty.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Spring produce shines brilliantly in this elegant yet simple preparation.

Smooth, velvety grains absorb the delicate essence of tender green vegetables.

You’ll find this recipe transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience.

Venture into your kitchen and let the magic begin.

FAQs About Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto

• What ingredients make pea and asparagus risotto creamy?

The creaminess comes from slowly adding broth, constant stirring, and finishing with butter and parmesan cheese, which helps create a smooth, rich texture.

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peas and asparagus work perfectly. Just thaw them before adding to the risotto to maintain the dish’s consistency and prevent excess water.

• Is arborio rice essential for this recipe?

Arborio rice is crucial because its high starch content creates the signature creamy risotto texture. Other short-grain rice like carnaroli can also work, but avoid long-grain rice.

• How do I know when the risotto is perfectly cooked?

The risotto is done when rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente), and the mixture is loose and creamy, not thick or stiff.

Why Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto Feels Fresh and Elegant

• Boost Veggie Intake: Packed with nutritious asparagus and peas, this risotto offers a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables in a creamy, satisfying meal.
• Master Cooking Skills: Learn the classic technique of making risotto, which teaches patience and precision in creating a perfectly textured rice dish that impresses family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add protein like chicken or shrimp to make this versatile recipe suit different tastes and dietary preferences without losing its core deliciousness.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this risotto a stress-free meal option for busy home cooks wanting a gourmet-style dinner without complicated steps.

Everything Needed for Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto

• Arborio Rice: A creamy Italian short-grain rice perfect for creating a smooth and rich risotto texture.
• Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that adds a tender and slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
• Green Peas: Sweet and vibrant vegetables that provide a burst of color and freshness.

• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful base that helps cook the rice and infuse depth into the risotto.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle tangy complexity and helps deglaze the pot during cooking.

• Butter, Garlic, Onion: Classic aromatics that create a rich and savory foundation for the risotto.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How to Make Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Broth

Bring vegetable or chicken broth to a gentle simmer in a separate pot, keeping it warm throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté Asparagus And Peas

In a large cooking pan, melt butter and quickly cook asparagus with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Asparagus
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook for a short time, then add peas and cook briefly. Transfer vegetables to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become translucent and soft.

Step 4: Toast The Rice

Add uncooked rice to the pan and stir, allowing grains to become slightly toasted and coated with butter.

Step 5: Deglaze With Wine

Pour white wine into the pan, stirring until the liquid is completely absorbed by the rice.

Step 6: Build Creamy Risotto

Gradually add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Continue this process for approximately 20-25 minutes until rice becomes creamy and tender.

Step 7: Finish And Combine

• Cooked vegetables
• Remaining butter
• Grated cheese

Step 8: Season And Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra cheese sprinkled on top.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp, bright green asparagus and sweet peas for the most vibrant flavor and texture in your risotto.
• Control Rice Texture: Stir constantly and add broth gradually to achieve a creamy, al dente rice consistency without becoming mushy.
• Prep Vegetables Strategically: Quickly blanch asparagus and peas to maintain their bright color and tender-crisp texture before adding to the risotto.
• Enhance Cheese Flavor: Use freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino for a richer, more complex taste that melts smoothly into the risotto.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, remembering that cheese adds additional saltiness to the dish.

Creative Variations on Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto

• Vegan Veggie Risotto: Replace butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, swap cheese with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Green Risotto: Use certified gluten-free arborio rice and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Seafood Green Risotto: Add cooked shrimp or scallops during the final vegetable stirring stage for a protein-rich variation.
• Herb-Infused Green Risotto: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or parsley during the final cheese stirring step for extra aromatic flavor.

What to Serve with Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy risotto's richness and enhance the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Serve with Light Spring Salad: Toss together a green salad with mixed herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and delicate baby greens to balance the risotto's creaminess and add refreshing texture.
• Garnish with Herbal Crunch: Sprinkle fresh chives, basil, or parsley on top to introduce a zesty, aromatic element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds vibrant color.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Offer a slice of rustic sourdough or Italian ciabatta to soak up the risotto's creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.

How to Store Leftover Nigella Pea and Asparagus Risotto

• Transfer leftover risotto to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
• Pack cooled risotto in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Label with date and contents.
• Place risotto in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Pea And Asparagus Risotto Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 58 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy pea and asparagus risotto brings Italian countryside charm to your dinner table with its delicate green hues and silky texture. Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a comforting yet elegant dish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (112 cups) Arborio rice
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Aromatics and Flavoring:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 0.5 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

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Instructions

1. Prepare simmering broth in a pot over medium heat, maintaining a gentle bubble.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté asparagus with seasoning for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Incorporate peas and cook briefly. Transfer vegetables to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce arborio rice, toasting grains until edges become slightly transparent, creating a nutty fragrance.
5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, allowing liquid to be completely absorbed by rice grains.
6. Gradually incorporate warm broth, one ladleful at a time. Stir consistently, allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before adding more. This process develops creamy risotto texture and takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
7. When rice reaches al dente consistency, fold in reserved vegetables, remaining butter, and grated parmesan cheese.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with extra cheese and serve immediately while risotto maintains luxurious, creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prep Vegetables Perfectly by cutting asparagus into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the risotto.
• Control Rice Consistency by stirring frequently and adding broth gradually, which helps release rice starches and creates that signature creamy risotto texture.
• Maximize Flavor Depth by using fresh, high-quality ingredients like sweet spring peas and tender asparagus, which elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Dietary Adaptations include using vegetable broth for vegetarian option, adding protein like grilled chicken for more substance, or substituting dairy-free cheese for vegan preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 53 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 297 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 288 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg