New recipe: summery lime and asparagus risotto
Ah, summer evenings – the perfect time for family gatherings
and delicious dishes that bring everyone together. We love risotto on these
kinds of nights as it’s relatively straightforward to cook yet can be taken to
another level with a twist of interesting ingredients like lime zest and Greek
yogurt - a nice summery substitute for the usual cream used in risotto. This
delightful lime asparagus risotto recipe is sure to become a family favourite
in no time and we’ve got some top tips at the bottom for cooking it to
perfection.
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavour and
any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for enjoying the next day. Explore
our Best of Local
range to stock up on the freshest local ingredients for this recipe, with
convenient delivery to your doorstep.
Ingredients – serves four
2 white
onions, finely chopped
360g risotto rice
2 vegetable stock pots
200ml dry white wine
60g parmesan
2
bunches asparagus, chopped into 2-inch pieces
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp thyme
Method
Step 1
In a deep, heavy-based saucepan, melt the butter over medium
heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté gentle until it becomes softened, which
should take around 8 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute
until fragrant. Introduce the rice to the pan, ensuring it gets coated with the
buttery onions and garlic. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until it’s
slightly toasted. Once toasted, add the wine and let it evaporate for extra
flavour.
Step 2
Prepare 1 litre of boiling water and dissolve the stock pots
in it. Keep the stock simmering and hot in a pan throughout the whole cooking
process. Take a ladle of the prepared stock and add it to the rice along with
lime juice and the dried herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme). Allow the mixture to
bubble over medium heat while stirring consistently. Once the previous ladle is
almost completely absorbed, add another ladle of stock and continue stirring.
Now, include the asparagus and continue adding the stock gradually, stirring
occasionally, until the rice achieves a tender and creamy texture.
Step 3
Once the rice is cooked to your desired consistency, add
some salt, pepper and lime zest, parmesan and Greek yogurt to the mixture. Stir
everything together until well combined and present with fresh basil and lime wedges.
Top tips
Risotto is pretty straightforward but when it comes to
crafting the perfect dish, attention to detail is key. Follow these tips to
elevate your culinary skills and ensure your risotto turns out creamy and
flavourful:
Mind the stock temperature: Avoid adding cold stock
to the hot pan of risotto as it can disrupt the cooking process. Instead, keep
your stock gently simmering in a separate pan, ensuring it stays hot and cooks
the risotto evenly
Stir with purpose: Stirring is essential for achieving
that signature creaminess but be mindful not to overdo it. Constant stirring
can add air, cooling down the risotto and causing it to become gluey. Find the
right balance between stirring often and allowing moments of rest.
Gradually add stock: Pouring too much stock at once
is a no-go. To create the luscious creaminess you want, add the stock
gradually, allowing the rice grains to release starch.
Don’t overcook: Like pasta, risotto should be al
dente, with a slight bite to it. If your risotto is too mushy, you’ve gone too
far. It should have a perfect balance of texture and creaminess, not resemble
rice pudding!
Choose the right pan: Opt for a pan that fits just
right over your burner. A too wide pan can leave to uneven cooking, with some
parts of the rice not getting the chance to release starch properly.
Moderate heat is key: While risotto is a slow-cooking
delight, don’t go too low with the heat. A medium simmer throughout the cooking
process ensures your rice gets cooked to perfection. Many Italian cooks will
tell you that risotto should take no more than 18 to 19 minutes from start to
finish!
Fresh is best: For a risotto that bursts with
flavour, use only the freshest ingredients. Opt for crisp vegetables,
high-quality stock and juicy limes to elevate your risotto to a whole new level
of deliciousness. Explore our Best of Local range
to get the freshest ingredients delivered to your doorstep for ultimate
convenience.
