Recipe: Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus Risotto

1 1/2 pounds asparagus
5 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whipping cream fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Trim tough ends from asparagus; discard. Cut off asparagus tips and reserve. Cut stalks into 3/4-inch-long pieces. Place 2/3 of stalk pieces, 1 cup broth and 1 cup water in blender. Puree until smooth. Set aside.

Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.

Add rice and stir 1 minute. Add wine and cook until absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth and chopped rosemary; simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 4 minutes.

Continue to cook for 15 minutes, adding more broth by 1/2 cupfuls and allowing liquid to be absorbed before adding more. stirring often.

Add remaining asparagus stalk pieces and reserved asparagus tips and continue cooking until rice is just tender and mixture is creamy, adding broth as needed and stirring ofen, about 10 minutes longer.

Add reserved asparagus puree and stir until absorbed, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan and cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer risotto to bowl. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired. Serve, passing remaining Parmesan separately.

Servings: 6