Best 14 Couscous Risotto With Shrimp Asparagus And Peas Recipes

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Are you seeking a culinary adventure that blends the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the comforting textures of a classic risotto? Look no further than couscous risotto with shrimp, asparagus, and peas. This delectable dish masterfully combines the tiny pearls of couscous with a creamy, flavorful broth, while succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and sweet peas add layers of taste and texture. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress your loved ones, this ultimate guide will lead you through the steps of creating a mouthwatering couscous risotto that will leave a lasting impression.

Here are our top 14 tried and tested recipes!

GARLIC SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto image

Takes a second to prep but so worth it in the end.

Provided by Joshua F

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Rice     Risotto Recipes

Time 52m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ onion, chopped
½ clove garlic, minced
3 cups Arborio rice
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into thirds
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Pour chicken broth into a pot; bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic in the hot oil until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add Arborio rice; cook, stirring frequently, until coated with oil, about 4 minutes.
  • Stir 1/2 cup of the hot chicken broth into the saucepan; cook and stir until the rice has absorbed the broth, about 2 minutes. Repeat this process 4 more times, stirring constantly, until rice is creamy and tender yet firm to the bite, about 15 minutes.
  • Stir shrimp and asparagus into the remaining hot broth. Cook until shrimp turns pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove broth from heat.
  • Stir shrimp and asparagus into the rice; cook for 1 minute. Stir Parmesan cheese and butter into the rice; cook until melted, about 1 minute. Remove rice from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle parsley over each serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 858.2 calories, Carbohydrate 130.3 g, Cholesterol 209.9 mg, Fat 20 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 36.6 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 3233 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

RISOTTO WITH SHRIMP AND PEAS



Risotto With Shrimp And Peas image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups no-salt-added fish or chicken stock
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound fresh peas, shelled to yield about 1/2 cup
1/2 pound shelled raw shrimp
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, simmer stock. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil. Add onion, and sauté until it softens. Add rice, and stir to coat. Add the wine, and cook until liquid is absorbed.
  • Add one cup simmering stock to rice. Stirring often, cook over medium-low heat until liquid is absorbed. Repeat with second cup, and continue cooking, stirring often. Repeat with third cup.
  • As rice becomes soft but firm, add last cup of stock. If peas are large, add them and cook about 4 minutes. Then add shrimp. If peas are small and tender, add them along with shrimp. Cook shrimp just 3 or 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve, with cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 848, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 119 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 48 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 2123 milligrams, Sugar 16 grams, TransFat 0 grams

SCAMPI ON COUSCOUS



Scampi on Couscous image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed, plus 2 garlic cloves minced
2 (8 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes in their juice
1 (8ounce) bottle clam juice
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup water
2 cups plain couscous
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup olive oil. When almost smoking, add onion, carrot and 1 clove smashed garlic and saute until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes and their juice, clam juice and white wine. Bring to a boil and simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes, uncovered. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Carefully pour tomato mixture in the bowl of a food processor and puree. Add a couple of tablespoons of water if needed - you want to end up with a broth. Check for seasoning.
  • Return broth to the pot. Add 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add 2 cups couscous. Cover pot and remove from heat. Let rest for 10 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb all the liquid. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup oil and the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Heat the oil, making sure not to burn the garlic. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp and stirring occasionally, cook the shrimp until they start to turn pink, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they will become tough. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, red pepper and chopped parsley. Check for seasoning.
  • To serve, mound the couscous in the center of a platter and top with the shrimp.

COUSCOUS RISOTTO WITH SHRIMP, ASPARAGUS AND PEAS



Couscous Risotto with Shrimp, Asparagus and Peas image

Categories     Pasta     Side     Sauté     High Fiber     Dinner     Shrimp     Asparagus     Pea     Summer     Simmer     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
24 asparagus spears (about 12 ounces), trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled, cut into matchstick-size strips
3 ounces snow peas, trimmed, cut diagonally in half
6 tablespoons olive oil
32 uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped shallots
4 cups uncooked Israeli couscous
1 pound plum tomatoes (about 8), seeded, chopped
2 cups dry white wine
2 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Cook frozen peas, asparagus, carrots and snow peas in large pot of boiling salted water until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer vegetables to bowl filled with ice water. Drain vegetables and set aside.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer shrimp to medium bowl. (Vegetables and shrimp can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover each separately with plastic wrap and then refrigerate.)
  • Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and shallots and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in couscous and tomatoes. Add wine and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and simmer until liquid is reduced by half and couscous is just tender, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Mix in reserved vegetables and whipping cream. Cook couscous over medium heat until mixture thickens and is creamy, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir Parmesan, butter and parsley into risotto. Add shrimp and mix until heated through and butter and cheese are melted and well blended, about 2 minutes. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper. Divide risotto among 8 bowls and serve.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS



Risotto with Asparagus image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 bunches thick asparagus (about 2 pounds)
1 sprig fresh thyme or lemon thyme
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot, diced
2 cups arborio rice
Kosher salt
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 head Bibb lettuce, cut into strips
8 ounces robiola or taleggio cheese, thinly sliced
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • Peel the bottom third of the asparagus stalks with a vegetable peeler. Snap each stalk where it breaks naturally; reserve 4 of the peeled bottoms for crostini (below). Thinly slice 6 asparagus bottoms and place the rest of the bottoms in a saucepan with 8 cups water and the thyme to make asparagus broth; bring to a simmer.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until glossy, about 1 minute. Add 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed. Stir in 1/2 cup of the asparagus broth until absorbed (use a ladle to add the broth, keeping the solids in the pan). Continue to add broth in 1/2-cup increments, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more, about 10 minutes. (You should have about half the broth left.) Stir in the sliced asparagus bottoms and the lemon zest. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice is just tender, 5 to 8 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, place the asparagus tips in a large skillet, cover with water and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over medium-high heat until just tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the parmesan and lemon juice to the risotto. Stir in the lettuce, remove from the heat and season with salt. Divide among bowls, top with the robiola and season with pepper. Drizzle the asparagus tips with olive oil and spoon over the risotto.

COUSCOUS PRIMAVERA



Couscous Primavera image

This is a healthy, delicious, and easy side dish that takes about 10 minutes to make. I'm borrowing the name from Pasta Primavera which, like this recipe, takes advantage of fresh, seasonal, green produce.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Green Peas

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups dry couscous
½ cup chopped green onions
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, finely diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch ground black pepper
2 cups vegetable stock
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup shelled fresh or thawed frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine couscous, green onion, jalapeno, olive oil, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a large bowl; stir until olive oil is completely incorporated.
  • Bring vegetable stock, asparagus, and peas to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.
  • Pour stock, asparagus, and peas over couscous mixture; shake bowl to settle couscous into liquid. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in mint and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Carbohydrate 53.7 g, Fat 5.3 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 163.7 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

SHRIMP RISOTTO WITH PEAS



Shrimp Risotto With Peas image

Shrimp shells are used here to make a subtle shellfish broth for the risotto. Make sure you don't overcook the shrimp; they will take only four to five minutes to cook, and the contrast of their succulent texture against the chewy rice will be lost if the shrimp become rubbery.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, one pot, appetizer, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound medium shrimp, in the shell
1 quart chicken stock or water
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups arborio or carnaroli rice
2 large garlic cloves, green shoots removed, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
A generous pinch of saffron (optional)
1 cup thawed frozen peas, or fresh peas steamed for five minutes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Shell the shrimp and de-vein if necessary. Salt them lightly, and set aside in a bowl (in the refrigerator, if you won't be making and serving the risotto right away). Rinse the shells, and combine them with 5 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, skim off foam, reduce the heat to low and simmer partly covered for 30 minutes. Strain and add to the chicken stock or water. Taste, add enough salt to make a well seasoned broth and bring to a simmer in a saucepan.
  • Heat the oil over medium heat in a large nonstick frying pan or a large, wide saucepan. Add the onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, three to five minutes, and then add the rice and the garlic. Cook, stirring, until the grains of rice are separate and beginning to crackle.
  • Stir in the wine, and cook over medium heat, stirring. The wine should bubble, but not too quickly. You want some of the flavor to cook into the rice before it evaporates. When the wine has just about evaporated, stir in a ladleful or two of the simmering stock, enough to just cover the rice. The stock should bubble slowly. Cook, stirring often, until it is almost absorbed. Add another couple of ladles of the stock. Crush the saffron threads between your fingers and stir in. Continue to cook, stirring often - not too fast and not too slowly, adding more stock when the rice is almost dry - for 20 minutes.
  • Taste a bit of the rice. It should taste chewy but not hard in the middle. Continue adding simmering stock and stirring until the rice reaches this al dente stage. Stir in more stock to cover, and add the peas and the shrimp. Cook, stirring, for another four to five minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through but still moist and the peas are bright. Stir in the parsley and another small ladle of stock, remove from the heat, add pepper, stir for a few seconds and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 560, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 78 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 29 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1216 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

LEMON RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND PEAS



Lemon Risotto with Asparagus and Peas image

If you would prefer a simple lemon risotto, omit the asparagus and peas.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
6 thin asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
1 cup thawed frozen peas
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Bring stock to a boil in a medium saucepan; turn off heat.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in another medium saucepan. Add onion; cook, stirring constantly, until translucent, 6 to 7 minutes. Add rice; cook, stirring constantly, until edges of grains are translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Raise heat to medium-high. Add wine; cook, stirring constantly, until wine has completely evaporated.
  • Add 1/2 cup stock; cook, stirring constantly, until stock has been completely absorbed and a wooden spoon drawn through rice leaves a trail in its wake. Continue adding about 4 more cups stock, 1/2 cup at a time, waiting for each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. (It should take about 13 minutes.)
  • Stir in the asparagus. Add 1/2 to 1 cup more stock, in same manner as described above. About 1 minute before risotto is done, stir in the peas. Risotto is done when liquid looks creamy and grains are cooked but still slightly firm in centers. (The total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes.)
  • Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup stock. (You may have stock left over.) Stir in zest, juice, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, parsley, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with more cheese.

SHRIMP WITH COUSCOUS



Shrimp with Couscous image

This one-pot wonder that takes its inspiration from paella will impress friends and family and satisfy even the hungriest diners.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes     Shrimp Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
Coarse salt and ground pepper, for seasoning
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 leeks, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
2 carrots, shredded
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup couscous
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

  • In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper. Saute, tossing, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove.
  • Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to pan; stir in mustard seeds. Cook until seeds begin to pop, about 30 seconds. Add leeks, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in couscous, peas, and 2 cups boiling water; season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand 5 minutes. Add shrimp; stir gently.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 30 g

COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS, SNOW PEAS AND RADISHES



Couscous With Asparagus, Snow Peas and Radishes image

Make and share this Couscous With Asparagus, Snow Peas and Radishes recipe from Food.com.

Provided by dicentra

Categories     Vegetable

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 lb asparagus, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (about 1 3/4cups)
1/4 lb snow peas, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch strips (about 1 cup)
2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
3 slices lemon zest (2-inch)
1 (10 ounce) package couscous
3 radishes, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped chives
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped mint

Steps:

  • Cook asparagus and snow peas in large pot of boiling salted water 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Bring broth and lemon zest to a boil in large pot. Put couscous in bowl, and stir in broth. Cover, and let stand 10 minutes. Discard lemon zest.
  • Fluff couscous with fork, and stir in asparagus, snow peas, radishes, lemon juice, chives, parsley and mint. Season with salt and pepper.

ASPARAGUS AND PEA RISOTTO



Asparagus and Pea Risotto image

Delicious vegetarian recipe that takes a lot of stirring but worth it!

Provided by moirawillis

Time 1h

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Melt margarine in large pan and add the shallots, onions, and garlic, coating them well and sweating them on a low heat for about 1-2 minutes
  • add the arborio rice stirring well ensuring all the grains are well coated. Add more margarine if necessary.
  • Keep on a low heat and keep stirring until the rice starts to turn translucent (can take about 15 minutes).
  • Add a small quantity of wine at a time and it will quickly be absorbed as you keep stirring. Continue until all the wine has been added and absorbed.
  • Next do the same with the half of the stock, just gradually add a little at a time and add more until it has been absorbed. Now add the ground pepper and a little salt, then the asparagus
  • Start adding the remainder of the stock, the peas and the 3/4 of the grated parmesan, stirring continually.
  • Keep stirring until all the stock has been absorbed. The risotto should have a creamy consistency, with the rice and vegetables cooked 'al dente'.
  • If more cooking is required, just add a little more stock and keep stirring.
  • Serve right away, garnished with the remainder of the grated parmesan and a few sprigs of parsley.
  • Serve up with a nice glass of chilled white wine.

LEMONY RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND SHRIMP



Lemony Risotto With Asparagus and Shrimp image

Make and share this Lemony Risotto With Asparagus and Shrimp recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Realtor by day

Categories     Rice

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
3/4 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
3/4 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Bring broth and water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add asparagus and simmer, uncovered, until just tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain. Keep broth barely simmering, covered.
  • Cook onion in 2 tbsp butter with 1/4 tsp salt in a 4 qt heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add rice and cook, stirring constant;y, 1 minute. Add wine and simmer, stirring constantly until absorbed.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup broth mixture and briskly simmer, stirring frequently, until absorbed. Continue adding broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until rice is creamy and tender but still al dente (it should be the consistency of thick soup), about 18 minutes. There will be some left-over broth mixture.
  • Sir in shrimp, zest and remaining2 tbsp butter, parmesan, parsley and pepper to taste. (thin risotto with some of remaining broth if necessary).

SHRIMP 'N' SPINACH RISOTTO



Shrimp 'n' Spinach Risotto image

I enjoy concocting new, healthy recipes and spinach is one of the few vegetables that my husband will eat. My creamy risotto makes a great side dish, but doubles as a meal-in-one as well. -Jennifer Neilsen, Williamston, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked arborio rice
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1 pound cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, heat broth and keep warm. In a large nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in butter until tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add rice; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Carefully stir in 1 cup heated broth. Cook and stir until all of the liquid is absorbed., Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow liquid to absorb between additions. Cook just until risotto is creamy and rice is almost tender, about 20 minutes. , Add the spinach, shrimp, cheese and pepper; cook and stir until spinach is wilted and shrimp are heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 187mg cholesterol, Sodium 906mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 35g protein.

ASPARAGUS, PEA AND SAFFRON RISOTTO (WITH SHRIMP) RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Asparagus, Pea and Saffron Risotto (with Shrimp) Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by Foodiewife

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 small shallot, chopped finely
1 cup carnaroli (or arborio) rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (I use Sauvignon Blanc)
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 healthy pinch of saffron* (about 3/4 teaspoon)
Juice of one lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/3 cup grated parmigiano reggiano
1 cup fresh asparagus (3-4 spears), cut into quarter-inch pieces
1/2 cup frozen peas (don't thaw)
salt, to taste
grated parmigiano reggiano for garnish
lemon zest for garnish
about a scant 1/4 tsp of tumeric can be used in place of saffron (less expensive and adds a pretty color)
4-5 large raw shrimp, tails removed (optional)

Steps:

  • If using shrimp, use 2-3 large pieces per serving. Remove the tail, place in a small bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil, a splash of white wine, a squeeze of lemon juice, one small clove of freshly minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper and set aside. Heat chicken stock in medium saucepan. In a separate saucepan, heat garlic and and shallots in olive oil over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Add rice and stir to coat for a few seconds. Add wine and a half cup of chicken stock. Stir frequently until liquid is mostly absorbed, then add another half cup of stock and saffron. Allow to absorb, and then add another half cup of stock, repeating the process until the stock has been mostly absorbed (about 20-25 minutes). Rice should be tender but slightly firm, and risotto should have a thick creamy consistency. Meanwhile (within 10 minutes of the risotto being ready): In a small skillet, heat about 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 small pat of unsalted butter. Saute the asparagus until just al dente--about 7 minutes. Set aside. In the same pan, cook the shrimp until pink-- about 2 minutes per side. Once the risotto is finished, remove from heat and stir in lemon juice**, lemon zest, parmigiano reggiano, asparagus and frozen peas. Add salt to taste. Garnish with grated cheese and lemon zest. Top with shrimp, if serving. **add about 1/2 the lemon juice, and taste. Add more, if you prefer for the lemon citrus taste to come through.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for plump, juicy shrimp, tender asparagus, and sweet peas.
  • Cook the shrimp and asparagus properly: Be careful not to overcook either ingredient, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Shrimp should be cooked until it is pink and opaque, and asparagus should be cooked until it is bright green and tender.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth used to cook the couscous is a key component of the dish. Use a broth that is flavorful and has a good balance of flavors. A vegetable broth or a seafood broth would both be good choices.
  • Add some fresh herbs and spices: Fresh herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to the dish. Some good options include basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest.
  • Serve the dish immediately: Couscous risotto is best served immediately after it is cooked. This will ensure that the dish is still hot and the couscous is creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion:

This couscous risotto with shrimp, asparagus, and peas is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy couscous, give this recipe a try.

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