Spring asparagus risotto with its bright green hue celebrates the season's finest produce. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is fresh, healthy, and a light family dinner packed with vitamins.
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus, then cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces; set aside the tender tips separately.
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer and keep it warm over low heat; do not boil.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent without browning.
Stir in the arborio rice and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with oil and develop a nutty aroma.
Add the asparagus stems (not tips) and cook for 2 more minutes, then add 1/2 cup of hot broth, stirring gently. Allow the rice to absorb nearly all the liquid before adding the next ladle of broth.
Continue adding broth in small additions, stirring regularly and maintaining a gentle simmer; after 12 minutes, add the asparagus tips and keep cooking.
After about 18–20 minutes, when the rice is creamy but still al dente and the asparagus is tender, remove from heat.
Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cover and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.