Best 20 Risotto With Asparagus And Bison Bacon Recipes

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND BISON BACON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place asparagus in single layer in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Cook onion in hot butter for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add rice. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in broth and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes (do not lift lid).
• Meanwhile, cook bison bacon, 1/2 at a time, over medium heat in a large skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until crisp, turning occasionally. If necessary, drain on paper towels. Transfer to a cutting board. Cool slightly; chop into bite-size pieces.
• Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in asparagus. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in bison bacon pieces and Parmesan cheese.

CREAMY ASPARAGUS AND BACON RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and drain. Add onion to bacon fat and cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes more. Add rice and stir until combined, then add 240ml chicken stock.
• Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until stock is completely absorbed. When it's absorbed, add wine. Stir until fully absorbed, then add remaining stock 240ml at a time until rice is tender and creamy, about 30 minutes. Add asparagus and let cook until tender, 6 minutes.
• Stir in bacon and season generously with salt and pepper.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND BISON BACON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place asparagus in single layer in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Cook onion in hot butter for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add rice. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in broth and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes (do not lift lid).
• Meanwhile, cook bison bacon, 1/2 at a time, over medium heat in a large skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until crisp, turning occasionally. If necessary, drain on paper towels. Transfer to a cutting board. Cool slightly; chop into bite-size pieces.
• Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in asparagus. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in bison bacon pieces and Parmesan cheese.

BACON AND ONION RISOTTO

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large pan and cook the bacon and onion until the onion starts to color. Add the rice, stir around the pan for 5 minutes and pour on the wine. Let it evaporate then start adding the boiling stock a ladle at a time, waiting for the liquid to be absorbed before stirring in more. After 15 to 20 minutes the risotto will be cooked al dente. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Serve at once.

WILD MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• In an electric kettle or medium saucepan with a lid, combine chicken broth and white wine and heat just to simmering. Keep warm.
• In a large 3 to 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and sweat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the grains are translucent around the edges. Be careful not to allow the grains or the onions to brown.
• Reduce the heat to low. Add enough of the wine and chicken stock just to cover the top of the rice. Stir or move the pan often, until the liquid is completely absorbed into rice. Once absorbed, add another amount of liquid just to cover the rice and continue stirring or moving as before. There should be just enough liquid left to repeat 1 more time. It should take approximately 35 to 40 minutes for all of the liquid to be absorbed. After the last addition of liquid has been mostly absorbed, add the mushrooms and asparagus and stir until risotto is creamy and asparagus is heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Taste and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• *Cook's Note: If fresh wild mushrooms are not available, reconstituted dried mushrooms can be used instead. Place 2 ounces of dried mushrooms into a bowl and cover with warm water. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes or until all the mushrooms are soft and pliable.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS

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.

SAUSAGE AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups lightly salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. With tongs, remove the asparagus and set aside to cool. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the asparagus cooking water cool to warm.
• In a deep, 14-inch nonstick saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned but not yet crisp. Set aside in a bowl to cool.
• Pour the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil into the pan, keep the heat high and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the bits of meat from the bottom. When the oil is hot, add the shallot, reduce the heat to medium-high and saute until softened. Add the rice to the pan and cook, stirring well, until the rice begins frying, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the wine, stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
• Reduce the heat to medium low, add the cheese rind and slowly start adding the asparagus water in 4- to 6-ounce ladlefuls, stirring constantly and giving the rice time to absorb the liquid before adding another ladleful. Cook until the rice is nearly al dente, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and add them to the rice along with the sausage meat and any juices that have collected in the bowl. Season the risotto with salt and pepper and continue cooking, adding asparagus water if necessary to keep the liquid level balanced, until the water is absorbed and the rice is al dente, about 2 minutes.
• Serve with a sprinkle of parsley, a dash of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

BOBBY FLAY'S QUICK SAFFRON RISOTTO WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Asparagus:.
• Preheat Oven to 425 degrees.
• Put Asparagus on foil lined, rimmed baking sheet.
• Toss with some of the oil.
• Salt and pepper spread out on sheet.
• Roast for 6 to 8 minutes.
• Cut roasted Asparagus into ½ inch pieces on bias, set aside.
• Rice:.
• In Medium pot Heat Stock to a simmer over high heat.
• When bubbles form reduce heat till barely bubbling.
• Add Saffron and stir every 5 minutes or so.
• In a large high sided sauté pan, sauté Onion for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add Garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add Rice to pan stirring to keep it from sticking for 2 minutes.
• Add Wine to pan and stir until absorbed.
• Add one Cup of stock stir until absorbed then add another cup.
• Keep adding Stock one Cup at a time until you use all of it.
• This will take 20 to 30 minutes.
• The rice may not look done until most of the liquid is gone. The final product should be thick and creamy.
• Stir in Asparagus and Cheese and cook for a few minutes.
• Season with salt and Pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND BISON BACON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place asparagus in single layer in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Cook onion in hot butter for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add rice. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in broth and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes (do not lift lid).
• Meanwhile, cook bison bacon, 1/2 at a time, over medium heat in a large skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until crisp, turning occasionally. If necessary, drain on paper towels. Transfer to a cutting board. Cool slightly; chop into bite-size pieces.
• Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in asparagus. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in bison bacon pieces and Parmesan cheese.

ASPARAGUS AND CORN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Break Tough bottoms off the aparagus and cut into 3/4 Inch pieces.(I like cutting them diagonally for nicer presentation).
• Heat Stock and hold just at the boiling point.
• Melt 3 Tbls Butter in a good size skillet.
• Add Sweet Onion (vidallia or Mayan) and cook on Med/High heat till onions turn translucent (take care not to brown the butter).
• Add risotto and toss/stir till the risotto is well coated and continue cooking till the rice gets translucent around the edges and maybe even a touch of brown.
• Add the Dry white wine and stir briefly.
• Reduce heat to medium/low and add 1 1/2 Cups of stock. Cook until liquid is absorbed then add another 1 1/2 Cups of stock.
• Once the liquid is absorbed again add 1/2 Cup of stock, Asparagus, and Corn and stir just enough to incorporate the ingredients.
• Add white pepper to taste.
• Once liquid is again absorbed, tase for consistancy. If it is too firm yet, keep adding liquid 1/2 Cup at a time, always waiting till the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Do this until rice is tender but still firm.
• Add 1 cup shredded Asiago Cheese, 4 Tbls Butter, and 1/2 pint of heavy cream and stir till butter is melted and everything is well incorporated.
• Finish by sprinkling the remaining cup of Asiago on top and let it melt.

BACON RISOTTO

Steps:

• Cook and stir the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon and reserve.
• Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan over high heat; reduce heat to low to keep the chicken stock hot.
• Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion begins to turn golden brown at the edges, about 2 minutes. Pour in the rice and stir until the rice is coated in butter and has started to toast, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in one-third of the hot chicken stock and continue stirring until the rice has absorbed the 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, the rice should be tender, yet slightly firm.
• Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the Parmesan cheese, and the reserved bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

FROZEN ASPARAGUS RISOTTO WITH BACON

Steps:

• Take a deep breath and say "Risotta-making is NOT difficult.".
• Cut asparagus into 3/4" pieces. Set aside.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, saute the onion and bacon in 2 T butter for 3 minutes over medium heat.
• Increase to high heat, add wine and reduce to half (about 3 minutes).
• Add rice, salt and pepper and continue stirring on high for 1 minute.
• Add 2 c of the hot chicken stock, lid the pan and turn off the heat.
• Go walk your dog, call your girlfriend, write that chapter in your novel. It can sit there until roughly 10-15 minutes before dinner is served.
• When you return, reheat the broth and crank up the heat on the rice.
• Stir, stir, stir, adding a cup of hot broth everytime it starts to look a bit dry.
• Sample a bit: does it seem a bit chewy but almost ready?.
• If so, add the asparagus and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Sample again. Ready? Remove from heat and add 1 T butter and cheese.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Trim the asparagus and steam until al dente. Cool and cut into three-quarter-inch pieces.
• In a large heavy skillet or casserole, saute the shallots with the peppers in butter and oil until the shallots are translucent. Add the rice and cook, stirring, so that it is thoroughly coated. Add the asparagus, saute for a minute. Add a cupful of hot stock and cook, stirring continually, until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
• Add salt and pepper to taste and half a cup of broth. Continue stirring so that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan, and add more broth, half a cup at a time, until the rice is cooked. It is done when it is al dente.
• Stir in the cheese, correct seasoning, sprinkle with chives and serve.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Cut the asparagus into pieces two inches long, keeping the tips separate from the stalks. Bring the chicken stock to simmer and cook the stalks until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add tips and repeat process.
• Heat the oil and two tablespoons butter in a skillet and gently soften the shallots with the prosciutto. Season with salt and pepper and add the rice. Stir with a wooden spoon to coat the grains. Let the rice cook three to four minutes, stirring so that it absorbs the butter and turns opaque.
• Add the wine, stir, and then add the saffron.
• Add the hot stock a ladle at a time, and cook the rice, stirring. Keep stirring and adding stock for about 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid. Make sure the stock is being absorbed and that there is not much liquid on top. The bottom of the pan should be clean.
• Start testing the rice. It is done when it is al dente. You may not need to use all the stock or you may need to add a little hot water. Be careful not to overcook the rice.
• Just before the risotto is ready, stir in the asparagus to heat through. Stir in the remaining butter but do not return to the heat. Add the cheese, spoon the rice onto individual heated plates and sprinkle with extra cheese and ground pepper.

RISOTTO WITH TURNIPS AND BACON

Steps:

• In a 3-quart heavy saucepan cook bacon over moderate heat until crisp and golden and transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon fat in pan. Chop onion. Peel turnips and cut into 1/4-inch dice (if using greens, cut into 1/4-inch-wide slices and chop stems). In a saucepan bring broth to a simmer and keep at a bare simmer.
• Heat reserved fat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté onion, stirring, until just beginning to soften. Stir in turnips (and greens if using) and rice and sauté, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup simmering broth and cook, stirring constantly and keeping at a strong simmer, until absorbed. Continue simmering and adding broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition be absorbed before adding next, until rice is tender and creamy-looking but still al dente, about 18 minutes total.
• Crumble bacon. Serve risotto sprinkled with bacon and garnished with Parmesan.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Prepare and trim asparagus*. Cut stalks into 2 cm long pieces, reserve the tips.
• Place ⅔ of stalk pieces, 1 cup broth and 1 cup water in blender and puree until almost smooth. Set aside.
• Sauté onion in olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter for 5 minutes in a large pan, over medium heat.
• Add prosciutto and sauté for 3 more minutes.
• Add rice and stir to coat the grains for 2 minutes. Add wine and cook until absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes.
• Add ½ cup stock and simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Continue to cook for 15 minutes, adding more stock as needed 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 stock as needed and stirring often, about 10 minutes longer.
• Add reserved asparagus puree and stir until absorbed, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the remaining butter, Parmesan and cream but do not return to the heat.
• * Slightly bend each stalk and allow it to „snap" naturally - it will break exactly at the point where the stalk begins to be thick and woody. Remove these hard parts.

CREAMY PARMESAN RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Lightly coat the steaming tray of the rice cooker with cooking spray. Place asparagus in steaming tray, reserve.
• Place butter and olive oil in the rice cooking bowl, turn on and wait one minute. Stir in the chopped onions anc arrots and cover, cook 1 minute.
• Add the rice; stir to coat completely. Cover and cook 2 minutes.
• Stir in the wine; cover. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, until wine is completely absorbed.
• Add the water or stock; stir.
• Cover and cook 25 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times during cooking.
• Place the asparagus filled steaming tray on the rice cooking bowl and cover. Cook until the rice cooker switches to "warm, about 5 minutes longer.
• When the rice cooker switches to "warm", stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan and white pepper. Replace the steaming tray over the rice cooking bowl and let stand on "warm" for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Stir the steamed asparagus into the risotto.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• Place asparagus in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking sheet. Bake, uncovered at 400° until crisp- tender, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes., Meanwhile, place prosciutto in another ungreased baking pan. Bake at 400° until crisp, 10-12 minutes. Crumble prosciutto; set aside prosciutto and asparagus., In a large saucepan, heat broth and keep warm. In a large skillet, saute shallot and garlic in oil until tender. Add rice; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in the wine, pepper and salt. Cook and stir until all the liquid is absorbed., Add heated broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to absorb between additions. Cook until risotto is creamy and rice is almost tender, 20 minutes., Add the asparagus, prosciutto and cheese; cook and stir until heated through. Serve immediately.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND RICOTTA SALATA

Steps:

• In a heavy skillet, heat three tablespoons butter and add the shallots. Cook until soft. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until the grains become opaque and are thoroughly coated with the butter.
• Turn up heat and add white wine, stirring continuously. When evaporated, add hot chicken stock a ladle at a time and keep rice at a gentle simmer, stirring all the time.
• Cut the asparagus into one-inch slices on the diagonal. When the rice is still slightly hard in the middle (after about 15 minutes), stir in the asparagus and continue cooking, ladling in more stock, until the rice is al dente. It should be creamy, a little chewy but firm to the bite. Add the peas to the mixture about three minutes before the end of cooking.
• Off heat, stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, a tablespoon of Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle risotto with crumbled ricotta salata. Freshly grated Parmesan may be passed at the table.

MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• Remove stems from mushrooms; set aside. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside two-thirds of the mushrooms and coarsely chop the remaining mushrooms; set aside. Place porcini mushrooms, mushroom stems, and 6 cups water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Let boil for 2 minutes; immediately remove from heat and let stand 15 to 20 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another medium saucepan; discard solids. Place mushroom stock over low heat and keep covered until ready to use.
• Cut 2 inches from the top of asparagus; set aside. Cut remaining portion of the asparagus crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil; prepare an ice-water bath. Place asparagus tips in boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes; drain and immediately transfer to ice-water bath to cool. Drain and set aside. Repeat process with 1/4-inch asparagus pieces.
• Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 2 minutes.
• Add rice and stir to coat. Add wine and increase heat to medium-high; season with 2 teaspoons salt. Let cook, stirring, until liquid is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the warm mushroom stock and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Repeat this process 2 more times.
• Add reserved coarsely chopped mushrooms and season with 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue adding mushroom stock, 1/2 cup at a time, and cook, stirring, until liquid has almost evaporated, about every 2 minutes, until rice is al dente, 20 to 30 minutes total.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add remaining two-thirds of the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add asparagus tips and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Add 1/4-inch pieces of asparagus to risotto and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove risotto from heat and add remaining 1/4 cup olive oil to risotto, along with butter and cheese. Stir until butter has melted and mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide risotto evenly among 4 serving plates. Top with sauteed mushrooms and asparagus tips. Drizzle with olive and serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS-AND-LEMON RISOTTO

Steps:

• Bring stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat in another saucepan. Cook onion, stirring frequently, until soft, 6 to 7 minutes. Add rice, cook, stirring, until edges are translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine; cook, stirring, just until evaporated.
• Add 1/2 cup hot stock; cook, stirring, until almost absorbed. Continue adding 1/2 cup stock in this manner until liquid is creamy and rice is al dente, about 20 minutes total (you may not need to add all the stock). Add asparagus with the last addition of stock, and the peas about 1 minute before risotto is done.
• Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest and juice, parsley, cheese, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with additional cheese and lemon zest.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND MORELS

Steps:

• Scoop the dried morels up from their soaking liquid and squeeze them, letting them drain back into the bowl. Follow by straining the soaking liquid through several layers of cheesecloth and then rinse the morels under running water before slicing them.
• Prepare the fresh morels. Rinse the morels quickly under cold running water and dry them with paper towels. Slice the tops and stems. In a small skillet, soften the shallots in one tablespoon of the butter over moderate heat. Add all the mushrooms and the strained soaking liquid, cover and cook gently for five minutes. Meanwhile, bring the chicken stock to a slow simmer.
• Heat one tablespoon butter and the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet and add the rice. Cook, stirring, until the grains are coated with the butter. Add a cup of the hot stock and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice has absorbed the liquid. Add the mushrooms and season them with salt and pepper to taste, and add the white wine.
• When the liquid has evaporated, add the asparagus, reserving the tips in another one-half cup of the stock. Continue adding the stock, one-half cup at a time as the rice absorbs the liquid, stirring continuously. Add the asparagus tips after the rice has cooked for about 12 minutes, and continue adding the broth, one-half cup at a time, stirring frequently. Continue adding liquid and stirring until the rice is creamy and tender, but just slightly al dente. Correct seasoning, stir in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining butter and sprinkle with parsley.

ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• Snap the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and tip them into a saucepan with the stock. Put on a low heat to very gently simmer. Meanwhile, cut off the tips of the asparagus, add to the stock for exactly 1 min. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Finely slice the rest of the stalks into rounds.
• Heat the oil and half the butter in a heavy, wide pan. Cook the onions gently for 5 mins until soft, stirring often. Add the chopped asparagus stalks and cook for 2 mins more. Add the rice and continously stir for a few minutes until it turns semi-transparent and makes a hissing sound.
• Stir in the wine, if using - it will evaporate almost immediately. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition until it is absorbed, about 15 mins.
• Try the rice - it should feel just cooked with a slight bite to it. Stir in the asparagus tips and any last dregs of stock and cook for 1 or 2 mins more. Remove from the heat and top with the remaining butter and most of the parmesan. Season generously, cover and leave for a few minutes to settle.
• Give the risotto a thorough stir to incorporate the butter and cheese and serve straight away with the remaining parmesan for sprinkling over.