Heart-Healthy Asparagus Risotto

Elevate weeknight dinners with this luscious Heart-Healthy Asparagus Risotto, a creamy and nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish. Featuring tender asparagus, zesty lemon, and a touch of fresh parsley, this recipe is crafted with heart-smart ingredients like olive oil and low-sodium broth for a guilt-free indulgence. Arborio rice transforms into a velvety base, absorbing the vibrant flavors of garlic, onion, and citrus, while optional Parmesan cheese adds a hint of indulgence. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this risotto is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad. Discover a wholesome way to enjoy the rich, creamy textures of traditional risotto without compromising wellness.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups arborio rice
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 to taste freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the broth in a saucepan until it simmers, then lower the heat to keep it warm.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the arborio rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the oil and onions. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges of the rice look translucent.

Step 5

Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more.

Step 6

After adding about half the broth, mix in the asparagus pieces. Continue to add broth one ladle at a time, stirring often.

Step 7

Once all the broth has been absorbed and the rice is creamy and tender, usually taking about 18-20 minutes, remove the pot from heat.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Taste and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 9

If using, gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the risotto is creamy.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1855.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1300.9

Total Fat 65.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 94.8mg	0%
Sodium 2543.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 113.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g	0%
Total Sugars 6.7g
Protein 61.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1569.4mg	0%
Iron 5.5mg	0%
Potassium 1261.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 35.4%