Fresh Morel, Asparagus and Sweet-Pea Risotto
- 6 thick spears asparagus, peeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 ounces fresh morel or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Up to 8 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 shallots, peeled and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 pound Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup cooked tiny peas
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 1/4 cup fresh chervil leaves
- Cook the asparagus in boiling, salted water until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain and refresh under cold running water.
- Cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and saute until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper and set aside.
- Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, reduce heat and keep at a low simmer.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the shallots and garlic and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice with a wooden spoon, turning to coat well.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.
- Stir in the wine, raise the heat to medium and cook until the wine is absorbed, about 1 minute.
- Begin adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and adding more broth as it is absorbed by the rice.
- Adjust heat so rice and broth cook at a steady simmer.
- After about 15 minutes, the rice should be somewhat tender and some broth should be left.
- Cook for another few minutes, adding more broth as needed, until the rice is al dente.
- Stir in the asparagus, the mushrooms, the peas, the chives and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Season with 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper.
- Divide among 6 shallow bowls and garnish with the chervil.
- Serve immediately.
unsalted butter, cremini mushrooms, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, chicken broth, extra virgin olive oil, shallots, garlic, rice, white wine, peas, fresh chives, chervil
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/7806 (may not work)