Creamy Asparagus And Bacon Risotto Recipes

CREAMY ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• 1. Cook the asparagus tips in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tips to a colander.
• and rinse in cold water; drain well.
• 2. Break the asparagus stalks in half. Add them to the boiling water and cook until very tender, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cooking water, then drain the stalks. Puree the stalks with the reserved cooking water in a food processor. Using a rubber spatula, work the puree through a coarse sieve; you should have about 2 cups.
• 3. In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the shallots and cook over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the shallots are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir over moderate heat to coat the grains with the oil. Pour in the wine and continue stirring until the wine is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes.
• 4. Add 1 cup of the hot stock and stir constantly until almost absorbed. Continue adding the stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly until it is absorbed before adding more. When the rice is almost tender, after about 15 minutes, add the asparagus puree. Continue to cook, stirring, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite, about 4 minutes. Add the asparagus tips and stir for 1 minute to heat through.
• 5. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and let stand for 2 minutes, then spoon the risotto into shallow bowls and serve.
• Serves 8.
• This risotto gets its velvety texture from the asparagus puree that's stirred in before serving.

FROZEN ASPARAGUS RISOTTO WITH BACON

Steps:

• Take a deep breath and say "Risotta-making is NOT difficult.".
• Cut asparagus into 3/4" pieces. Set aside.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, saute the onion and bacon in 2 T butter for 3 minutes over medium heat.
• Increase to high heat, add wine and reduce to half (about 3 minutes).
• Add rice, salt and pepper and continue stirring on high for 1 minute.
• Add 2 c of the hot chicken stock, lid the pan and turn off the heat.
• Go walk your dog, call your girlfriend, write that chapter in your novel. It can sit there until roughly 10-15 minutes before dinner is served.
• When you return, reheat the broth and crank up the heat on the rice.
• Stir, stir, stir, adding a cup of hot broth everytime it starts to look a bit dry.
• Sample a bit: does it seem a bit chewy but almost ready?.
• If so, add the asparagus and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Sample again. Ready? Remove from heat and add 1 T butter and cheese.

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND BISON BACON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place asparagus in single layer in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Cook onion in hot butter for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add rice. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Carefully stir in broth and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes (do not lift lid).
• Meanwhile, cook bison bacon, 1/2 at a time, over medium heat in a large skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per batch or until crisp, turning occasionally. If necessary, drain on paper towels. Transfer to a cutting board. Cool slightly; chop into bite-size pieces.
• Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in asparagus. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in bison bacon pieces and Parmesan cheese.