You can always tell when it’s spring in my family because that’s when we have the first Baked Spinach Asparagus Risotto. In fact there’s fresh, wild asparagus incorporated into nearly every dish. Asparagus was never something we would buy at the store when I was growing up since we always had so much of it growing around our property. Because of that, we only ate it seasonally, but we sure made the most out of asparagus season!
Sometimes we would just have it grilled or steamed with melted butter on top. Other times we would puree it into asparagus soup or add it to my mom’s famous veggie lasagna . But one of my favorite spring dishes has always been this Baked Spinach Asparagus Risotto.
During my time volunteering at Healthy Community Kitchens, I learned how to make authentic risotto. It was only then that I realized that this recipe technically isn’t true risotto. Risotto is actually one of those dishes that has to be very precise and takes some time to master. Last night I actually made a real risotto with spinach and mushroom so stay tuned for that recipe! For now, enjoy this simpler baked version that’s perfect for rushed weeknight dinners! Enjoy it as a main meal or side dish for fish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Baked Spinach Asparagus Risotto
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Arborio rice (uncooked)
- 8 cups spinach leaves (about 4 oz)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan (divided)
- 1 ½ cup asparagus (diagonally sliced in 1 inch pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4 minutes or until tender. Add rice and mix well. Stir in spinach, broth, salt, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for 7 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese.
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Stir in asparagus and sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed.
Sounds delightful 😍👍
Thank you!!! 😊
Beautiful. I honestly think cooks are allowed to alter recipes however they wish, especially in their own kitchens! It’s the Italians who want everyone to think that risotto is challenging – it is not. I’ve even taught children how to make it! (by the way I’m half Sicilian so I can make this claim!) Anyway, your baked version with asparagus and peas is lovely!
I agree, recipes are just suggestions anyway 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!!
This sounds delicious -I love asparagus! Thanks for following my blog!
Thank you!! I look forward to reading your posts! Happy blogging 🙂
I’m a vegetarian and if I could reach through the screen…I would do it in a second. Delicious.
Thank you!! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you like it!!
Thanks for the recipe.
Happy to share!!
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