Lemon Asparagus Risotto
This asparagus risotto is flavored with garlic, white wine, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. I like to serve this as a main dish under some steamed halibut or other white fish.
fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
20
low-sodium chicken broth
4
cups
olive oil
2
tablespoons
onion, diced
1
small
celery, diced
1
stalk
salt
¼
teaspoon
ground black pepper
¼
teaspoon
Arborio rice
1
cup
garlic, minced
1
clove
dry white wine
½
cup
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼
cup
lemon juice
2
tablespoons
lemon zest
½
teaspoon
 Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
  Meanwhile, heat chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat; keep at a simmer while preparing risotto.
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in Arborio rice and garlic; cook and stir until rice is lightly toasted, about 5 more minutes.
  Stir in white wine and simmer until it has mostly evaporated, then stir in 1/3 of the hot chicken broth; continue stirring until rice has absorbed liquid and turned creamy. Repeat this process twice more, stirring constantly. Stirring in the broth should take 15 to 20 minutes in all. When finished, rice should be tender yet firm to the bite. Stir in asparagus.
  Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
