Asparagus Risotto

Main Dish

In Italy, the locals say, “Rice is born in water, but dies in wine.” Italy is the largest rice producer in Europe, and most of it is planted in the Lombardy and Piedmont regions in the north. This version of risotto dies with a dry white wine, but it’s the asparagus and pesto that bring the dish to life.

Ingredients

1 recipe Risotto (see recipe), made with vegetable or chicken stock
2 Tbl Extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch Fresh asparagus, woody ends removed and sliced thin on a bias 1” in length
2 Tbl Shallot, minced
2 Tbl Dry white wine
1 cup Vegetable or chicken stock (recipe xxx)
¾ cup Pesto (see recipe)
1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, shredded
1 Tbl Kosher salt
½ tsp Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and shallots and stir until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Deglaze with the wine and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Immediately add the cooked risotto, pesto and shredded cheese. Stir frequently until stock has been absorbed and the risotto is hot.

Divide among 6-8 bowls and finish with additional shredded cheese and extra virgin olive oil as needed.

Recent Recipes

Grilled Tripletail with Lump Crab and Chive Beurre Blanc

Tripletail has always been my favorite Gulf fish. The old-timers used to say, "If you can see a tripletail, you can catch a tripletail." They have this peculiar habit of floating near the surface around buoys, crab traps, and other floating objects, often lying on their sides and appearing almost lifeless. This behavior makes them easy to spot and, if you're quick with your cast, easy to hook. The meat is mild, white, and flaky—perfect for grilling. Pairing it with lump crab and a chive beurre blanc elevates this dish to something truly special.

Potato Gratin

Potatoes are the one vegetable I could never give up. Fried, roasted, mashed, or scalloped—doesn’t matter, they’re always on the table in one form or another. This gratin is my favorite way to make them feel a little more special. It’s rich, creamy, and just decadent enough to make it feel like you’re putting in some extra effort. There’s a good bit of cheese in this recipe, but that’s exactly how it should be. The combination of sharp white Cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan gives it the perfect balance of nuttiness, creaminess, and tang. And using Yukon gold potatoes instead of russets makes a big difference. They have just the right amount of starch to get creamy without getting mushy. This dish is a showstopper on the holiday table, but I’d eat it on a random Tuesday without hesitation.

Orange Cranberry Muffins

These muffins are like Christmas morning in a bite—bright, citrusy orange paired with tart, bursting cranberries. The combination feels like something you'd find in a festive basket dropped off by a thoughtful neighbor. Perfect for Christmas gift giving or to have on hand for guests throughout the holiday.

RobertStJohn.com