5 easy risottos from Ursula Ferrigno

Risotto with Asparagus, Peas and Basil
Risotto con Asparagi, Piselli e Basilico

One of my all-time favourite risottos – so light, fresh and vibrantly green. It reminds me of early summer, when asparagus and peas grow in abundance. Try to use vegetables when they are in season, so that you can enjoy them at their finest and sweetest.

Serves 4

900ml good quality vegetable stock
50g unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
8 shallots, finely chopped
275g risotto rice, such as vialone nano, carnaroli or arborio
½ glass white wine, about 75ml
350g asparagus, cut into 4cm lengths
150g fresh or frozen shelled peas
finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
100g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
a large handful of fresh basil, leaves torn
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve (optional)
fresh basil leaves
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Put the stock in a saucepan. Heat until almost boiling, then reduce the heat until barely simmering to keep it hot.
2. Heat the butter and oil in a sauté pan or heavy-based casserole over a medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, until softened but not browned.
3. Add the rice and stir, using a wooden spoon, until the grains are well coated and glistening, about 1 minute. Pour in the wine and stir until it has been completely absorbed.
4. Add 1 ladle of hot stock and simmer, stirring until it has been absorbed. Repeat. After 10 minutes, add the asparagus, peas and lemon zest and mix well. Continue to add the stock at intervals and cook as before, for a further 8-10 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender but still firm (al dente). Reserve the last ladle of stock.
5. Add the reserved stock, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Mix well. Remove from the heat, cover and let rest for 2 minutes.
6. Spoon into warmed bowls and top with basil and grated Parmesan, if using. Serve immediately.

Source: risotto by Ursula Ferrigno (Ryland, Peters and Small). To order your copy for the special price of £6.99 including postage and packing (rrp £8.99), telephone Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quote reference GLR 887.