Ingredients

3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

3 cups water

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/4 cup shredded carrot

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup dry white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 package (12 oz) uncooked Arborio or other short-grain rice

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)

9 ozfrozen organic asparagus cuts, thawed

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted*

2 oz shredded fresh Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)

Preparation

  1. In 3- to 4-quart saucepan, heat broth and water to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer while preparing risotto.
  2. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir onion, carrot and garlic in butter 2 to 3 minutes or until onion and carrot are tender. Stir in wine; cook 1 minute or until wine boils. Stir in rice, salt and 1 cup simmering liquid. Cook until liquid is absorbed into rice, stirring frequently. Continue to add liquid, 1 cup at a time, cooking until liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
  3. When 4 cups liquid have been absorbed, stir in asparagus. Test rice for doneness, and continue adding 1/2 cup liquid at a time until rice is tender but still firm and creamy (process takes 15 to 20 minutes).
  4. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in pine nuts and cheese. Serve immediately. *To toast pine nuts: in ungreased heavy skillet, cook over medium-low heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until browning begins, then stirring constantly until golden brown.