If you’ve been craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Spring Vegetable Risotto. Picture creamy, tender rice, infused with fresh spring veggies like peas, asparagus, and spinach, all wrapped up in a luscious, Parmesan-rich sauce. It’s light, but indulgent, bright yet comforting the perfect meal to celebrate the season. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy solo dinner, this risotto is bound to make your kitchen smell like heaven and your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love Spring Vegetable Risotto

This isn’t just any risotto it’s a dish that captures the spirit of spring in every bite. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great as a main or side dish, this risotto pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to a fresh salad.
Budget-Friendly: Packed with simple, fresh ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: It may seem fancy, but this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
Customizable: Swap in whatever fresh veggies are in season zucchini, peas, or even mushrooms.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, comforting, and full of fresh flavors it’s a hit with everyone.

Ingredients in Spring Vegetable Risotto

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy risotto to life:

Arborio Rice: The star of the show. This short-grain rice is what gives the risotto its signature creamy texture.
Vegetable Broth: A flavorful base for cooking the rice, bringing richness without overpowering the veggies.
Asparagus: Tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for adding that bright spring flavor.
Peas: Sweet and vibrant, they bring a pop of color and texture.
Spinach: Light and fresh, it wilts perfectly into the creamy risotto.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth that balances the veggies.
Shallots: More delicate and sweet than onions, they bring a subtle flavor that enhances the dish.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a lovely richness.
Parmesan Cheese: For that creamy, salty finish.
Butter: Adds extra richness and helps make the risotto extra creamy.
Lemon Zest: A little zest brightens up the dish with a fresh, citrusy kick.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious, springtime risotto:

Prep Your Veggies: Start by prepping the asparagus and peas. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, and if you’re using frozen peas, give them a quick rinse.

Cook the Veggies: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and shallots, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the peas and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. Set aside.

Start the Risotto: In the same pan, heat a bit more olive oil and add the Arborio rice. Stir to coat the rice in oil for about 1-2 minutes. This helps the rice release its starch for a creamy texture.

Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding your warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more broth. Continue this process until the rice is cooked through and creamy, about 18-20 minutes.

Finish the Risotto: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the risotto onto plates and top with the sautéed spring veggies. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Dig in and enjoy the vibrant flavors of spring!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Spring Vegetable Risotto

This risotto is a fantastic standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple salad or grilled fish. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some roasted chicken or a piece of grilled steak. The creamy texture and fresh veggies make it a perfect side to balance out rich, meaty dishes.

Additional Tips

Here’s how to make sure your Spring Vegetable Risotto is as delicious as possible:

• Keep your broth warm while you cook the rice. This helps it absorb evenly and keeps the cooking process smooth.
• Stir gently but consistently. This is key to achieving the creamy consistency you’re looking for.
• Feel free to swap in other spring vegetables like zucchini or fava beans.
• Don’t skip the Parmesan—its salty richness is what makes this dish sing!
• If you want to add a little more depth, try a splash of white wine in the cooking process.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use other rice for risotto?
Arborio rice is the best choice for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with other short-grain rice if necessary.

2. Can I make this risotto in advance?
Risotto is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat with a splash of broth.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them before adding.

4. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives for that salty, tangy finish.

5. How can I make this dish vegan?
Substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

6. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Definitely! Chicken broth will add a richer flavor, though the dish will lose a bit of its vegetarian vibe.

7. How do I store leftover risotto?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

8. Can I freeze risotto?
Risotto can be frozen for up to a month, though the texture may change slightly after reheating.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the risotto?
Absolutely! You can add other spring vegetables like peas, artichokes, or even asparagus.

10. Is this risotto gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use a gluten-free broth and check your Parmesan for any hidden gluten, it’s naturally gluten-free.

CONCLUSION

Spring Vegetable Risotto is like a love letter to the season creamy, fresh, and utterly comforting. It’s an easy way to enjoy the best that spring has to offer, with its vibrant veggies and rich, velvety texture. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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