Spring Risotto

The warm weather here in the Midwest has tricked me into thinking it is Spring . . . this risotto is a great way to transition to spring cooking, because it is hearty and filling . . . and the addition of peas and asparagus give it a definite Spring twist. If I would change one thing about this, I think I might try adding just a tiny bit of lemon juice at the end . . . or maybe basil instead of spinach. . . although it was good as is!

Spring Risotto
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
optional: 3 lightly packed cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 pound asparagus, steamed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately low heat and cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup of the hot broth, the salt and a few grinds of fresh pepper and simmer, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth, about 3/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the broth to be absorbed before adding more, until rice is almost tender and creamy-looking (Ellie says this should take 18 minutes - it took about 35-40 for me).

Add the spinach and peas and cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the asparagus and cook just until the vegetables are hot. Stir in the Parmesan and more broth if the risotto seems too thick. Serve immediately. - Recipe from Ellie Krieger