Spring Pea And Asparagus Risotto Food

SPRING GREEN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
• When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
• Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

MINTED PEA AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat a 2-quart sauce pot over medium-high heat. Melt the coconut oil, then add the onion, cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This toasts the rice and gives it a wonderful nutty flavor. Pour in the white wine and allow it to reduce by half before adding 12 ounces of stock. Stir often and allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. Continue cooking the rice, adding the liquid in 4-ounce increments and remembering to stir often.
• When the rice feels just about fully cooked add the asparagus and continue to cook. At this point the rice should be thick and creamy. Add the peas, stir to combine, and heat through. Season with the salts, black pepper, and stir in the mint and coconut butter. Serve immediately.