Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
- 1 cup chopped fennel
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 4 to 5 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 1 pound thin asparagus
- 10 ounces frozen peas, defrosted, or 1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably Italian
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for serving
Directions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.
1 Video | Photo: Spring Green Risotto Recipe

















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By cortneylazier
sussex, nj
on May 15, 2013
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This was my first time making risotto and I was a bit nervous but it was so easy and came out delicious. I followed the directions exactly and it was perfect. I did need a little more chicken stock though. The recipe makes a lot I used as aside dish to grilled chicken but next time will use as main course. Thanks Ina
By raderno2_5451064
Flagstaff, AZ
on May 14, 2013
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I thought this was delicious. I left out the fennel because it is not my favorite and used asparagus and spinach. The lemon was perfect and the mascarpone and parmesan made it so creamy. We all loved it.
By nwaller48
on May 04, 2013
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Everyone liked it, but it took much longer to make than I thought. The rice would not get tender and by the time it did, the leeks and fennel were a little over cooked. I did watch the video and think I did everything correctly, but who knows. Also, I thought it would be a lot more flavorful than it was, with all those ingredients. Don't think I'll make it again.
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