Wild Garlic & Asparagus Risotto

Instructions

To make the broth

1. Put a medium pot on high heat, cut onion in half and place cut side down into the pot. Charr onion for 3-5 minutes or until nice golden brown.
2. Meanwhile peel white asparagus, trim ends off green and white asparagus and add peels and ends to the onion.
3. Peel or wash carrot, cut in half lengthwise, add to the pot together with washed leek, peppercorns and bay leaves.
4. Add water to the pot, add lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling add salt, reduce heat and let simmer for at least 15 minutes.

To make the risotto

1. While the broth simmers, start prepping for the risotto. Peel onion and cut into small cubes. Peel garlic and cut as small as possible.
2. Cut white asparagus into 1/2cm rounds and put aside. Cut green asparagus into 1cm pieces and put aside in a separate bowl.
3. Finely grate parmesan or pecorino cheese and set aside. Wash fresh wild garlic and cut into thin stripes and set aside.
4. Wash fresh wild garlic and cut into thin stripes.
5. Once the broth is almost ready, you can start your risotto by putting a heavy-bottom pot in medium heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and the cut onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Add garlic, fresh thyme and rice to the pot and stir through. Wait 30-60 seconds, then add white wine and stir through. Let evaporate for 1-2 minutes. Reduce head to medium-low.
7. Add broth through a thieve, one cup at a time. Always stirring through vigorously. Come back to the risotto every other minute or so, stirring.
8. Once the rice has been cooking for 10 minutes, add white asparagus and stir through. Keep adding broth until there is none left. Still will take about another 10 minutes or so.
9. Place a pan on high heat. Add green asparagus and charr for 3-4 minutes. Then add to the risotto.
10. Once you've used all the broth and the rice is creamy and almost cooked through add butter, grated cheese and thinly cut wild garlic. Stir through. Season with salt & pepper and let sit for 1-2 minutes with a lid on.
11. Serve with freshly grated lemon peel, more cheese and a drizzle of homemade wild garlic pesto. Enjoy!
12. Notes: Find recipe for the wild garlic pesto below. You can also use parsley or basil instead. If you don't have fresh wild garlic at hand to finish off the risotto, feel free to substitute it with fresh baby spinach or arugula. If you don't have white asparagus, substitute with more green asparagus.