Spring Vegetable Lemon Risotto with Grilled Asparagus

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some spring recipes that don't involve slaving over a hot stove all day? Honestly, I'm obsessed with this Spring Vegetable & Lemon Risotto.

It's zingy, fresh, and surprisingly easy! Plus, who doesn't love a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness?

Brief Overview

Risotto, traditionally an Italian classic, gets a spring makeover. This recipe is vegetarian spring recipes friendly, takes about an hour, and serves four hungry souls.

Think creamy, lemony, and packed with spring goodness.

Main Benefits

This risotto is packed with nutrients and is a great source of fiber! It is also one of the easy dinner ideas for the week .

Perfect for a light but satisfying weeknight dinner or even a fancy lunch. This recipe is special because it's incredibly versatile and highlights the best of spring vegetable recipes !

Let's Talk Spring Vegetable Risotto, Shall We?

Honestly, risotto used to scare me. The constant stirring? Sounded like hard work! But once I cracked the code, I was hooked.

It’s now one of my go-to easy risotto recipes , especially when I need a comforting week lunch ideas .

This version uses asparagus risotto recipe and lemon risotto recipe . The lemon brightens everything up, and the asparagus gives it a lovely, slightly bitter edge.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up any leftover spring vegetable recipes you might have lurking in the fridge.

I sometimes add some broad beans if I can find them at the Farmer's market. Talk about a flavor explosion!

This Spring Vegetable & Lemon Risotto isn't just delicious; it's a proper celebration of seasonal spring dinners . Think of it as sunshine in a bowl! Plus, it's easily adaptable for meal prep ideas for work .

Cook a big batch on Sunday, and you've got lunches sorted for the week. I love this dish in family gatherings and is always a hit for healthy summer family dinners .

So, ditch the ready meals and give this a whirl. Trust me, you won't regret it! Next up, we'll dive into the ingredients you'll need.

Alright, so you wanna make this amazing Spring Vegetable & Lemon Risotto ? Let's talk ingredients and kit! It's easier than you think, promise! This risotto is a fantastic option for Easy Dinner Ideas For The Week .

It also works great for Week Lunch Ideas and Meal Prep Ideas For Work .

Ingredients & Equipment Breakdown

Don't sweat it, you probably have most of this already. And if not, substitutions are totally cool. Here's a deep dive into what you'll need!

Main Ingredients

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Go for decent quality. You can totally taste the difference.
• Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (approx. 150g). Yellow or white, whatever you fancy.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, obvs.
• Arborio rice: 1 1/2 cups (300g). This is the risotto rice. Don't try using Uncle Ben's, yeah?
• Dry white wine: 1/2 cup (120ml). Optional, but so good. Something like Pinot Grigio is perfect.
• Vegetable broth: 6 cups , hot (1.4 liters). Stock cubes are fine in a pinch.
• Frozen peas: 1 cup (120g). Straight from the freezer, no need to defrost.
• Baby spinach: 1 cup (30g). Fresh is nicer.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup , grated (50g), plus extra for serving. Proper Parmesan, not that pre-grated dust, okay?
• Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (55g). Salted is fine too, just taste and adjust later.
• Lemon: 1 , zest and juice. Zest it before you juice it, trust me.
• Asparagus: 1 pound , trimmed (450g). Look for firm, bright green spears.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. The cornerstone of every dish

Quality indicators : The parmesan is really critical to add that delicious creamy, nutty flavour that defines an excellent risotto.

Seasoning Notes

Think of this as the flavour backbone.

• Salt and pepper are essential. Season as you go, not just at the end.
• Lemon zest adds a lovely zing. Don't skip it.
• Spice combinations? Nothing fancy needed! A little nutmeg can be nice.
• For a richer flavour, try adding a bay leaf to the broth.

Equipment Needed

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this!

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven. Something heavy bottomed is ideal.
• Wooden spoon. For all that stirring.
• Grill pan or outdoor grill. For the asparagus.
• Ladle. To add the broth gradually.

Household alternatives : A regular frying pan works if you don't have a grill pan. Just get it nice and hot.

So there you have it! The lowdown on what you need to make this amazing Spring vegetable recipes ! Time to get started on this Lemon Risotto recipe.

It is the perfect Vegetarian spring recipes , Seasonal spring dinners and Easy risotto recipes . Let's dive in! Are you looking for Healthy Summer Family Dinners recipes?

Spring Vegetable & Lemon Risotto: Sunshine on a Plate

Oh my gosh, I am so excited to share this spring recipe with you! Honestly, this Spring Vegetable & Lemon Risotto with Grilled Asparagus is like a big hug.

It’s also perfect for those Easy Dinner Ideas For The Week when you want something comforting, but not too heavy.

Plus, it's gorgeous! We are talking restaurant quality grub, right in your own kitchen. Forget ordering takeaway!

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Alright, let's get organised. First, chop one medium onion finely. Mince two cloves of garlic. Trim 1 pound of asparagus.

Grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Zest and juice one lemon. Have your 6 cups of hot vegetable broth ready to go! Trust me , this mise en place malarkey makes the whole process so much smoother.

This makes also great Meal Prep Ideas For Work .

step-by-step Risotto Magic

1. Grill the Goodness: Toss 1 pound asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until tender crisp, maybe 5- 7 minutes . Set aside.
2. Sauté the Soul: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté that chopped onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice: Add 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice and toast for 1- 2 minutes , stirring constantly.
4. Wine Time (Optional): Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed, stirring.
5. Broth Bath: Begin adding hot vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed.
6. Simmer and Stir: Continue adding broth and stirring for about 20- 25 minutes , until the rice is creamy and al dente.
7. Veggie Power: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 cup of baby spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook until the spinach wilts.
8. Finishing Flourish: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Season with salt and pepper. Boom! Lemon risotto recipe perfection.

Risotto Rockstar Pro Tips

Want to level up your risotto game? Listen up! First, don't rush the process . Adding the broth gradually and stirring patiently is key to that creamy texture.

A hot broth is truly essential. Second, stir, stir, stir! This releases the starch, creating the creamy texture. And finally, taste as you go.

Adjust seasoning as needed. Honestly, it's hard to over season. A pinch more salt or lemon can make all the difference.

Consider this a great Vegetarian spring recipes options.

So there you have it Spring Vegetable & Lemon Risotto! It's a real crowd pleaser, and I hope it becomes a staple in your house, especially if you are looking for Healthy Summer Family Dinners .

You'll find yourself rustling up this Asparagus risotto recipe , week in, week out. Get in my belly!

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this Spring Vegetable and Lemon Risotto Recipe is easier than you might think. You just need a bit of patience, a wooden spoon, and a good soundtrack! Let's dive into some extra tips and tricks.

Serving it Up Right

Plating is everything, isn't it? For this Lemon Risotto Recipe , I like to swirl the risotto in a shallow bowl.

Then, I artfully arrange the grilled asparagus on top. A final sprinkle of Parmesan and a tiny drizzle of olive oil makes it look chef's kiss .

As for sides, think light and fresh. A simple green salad with a zesty lemon dressing is perfect. And a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio? Don't mind if I do! It is a spring vegetable recipes delight.

Or perhaps a sparkling elderflower presse for a non-alcoholic treat. Looking for easy dinner ideas for the week ? This will go down a treat.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

This Easy Risotto Recipes are best served fresh, but life happens. To store, let the risotto cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate.

It'll keep for about two days.

Freezing risotto can be a bit tricky, as the texture might change. It's fine for Meal Prep Ideas for Work , but bear in mind the freezing.

Ideally, don't freeze it. However, if you must, spread the cooled risotto on a baking sheet. Freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Remixing the Recipe

Want to shake things up? For a vegan version, swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Use olive oil instead of butter. Boom! Vegan Vegetarian Spring Recipes delight.

If you are looking to use other Spring Vegetable Recipes and are not vegetarian you could add some grilled chicken or prawns for a protein boost.

Seasonal variations? Throw in some broad beans, wild garlic, or even some vibrant, edible flowers. It really adds a unique touch.

Also, I find that Lemon and Asparagus Risotto Recipe works wonders and makes a great option for seasonal spring dinners .

Nutrition Talk (The Short Version)

Each serving is around 450 calories. You'll get a decent dose of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Risotto isn't exactly a low-calorie food, but it's packed with nutrients from the vegetables.

The lemon adds Vitamin C. The parmesan and butter give calcium and vitamin A.

Honestly, though? It's about enjoying good food! It is great for Healthy Summer Family Dinners . This risotto is like a big hug in a bowl.

It will surely be among your favorite week lunch ideas ! So, get cooking, have fun, and don't be afraid to make it your own.

You got this!