Risotto Primavera: a Taste of Spring

Risotto Primavera is one of my favorite Italian dishes to cook year-round. This vibrant recipe combines creamy risotto with fresh, colorful spring vegetables. I love how it brings a touch of elegance to any meal.

Risotto primavera recipe

Risotto primavera is a delectable Italian dish. “Primavera” translates to “spring” in Italian. This dish is aptly named because it features an array of fresh, seasonal vegetables of the springtime.

I chose fresh green vegetables for Risotto primavera. I included asparagus, sugar snap peas, courgette, and baby corn. Parmesan can be added to Risotto primavera. However, I preferred goat’s cheese for extra creaminess. Goat’s cheese is also suitable for people with dairy intolerance.

The dish is gluten-free, vegetarian, and low in lactose. Cheese can be omitted for a completely dairy-free option. Here is how to make simple Risotto primavera:

Risotto Primavera

A vibrant spring-inspired Italian rice dish that combines creamy Arborio rice with fresh seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, carrots, and zucchini.

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Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 2

Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 200 g arborio rice
• 600 ml vegetable stock
• 50 ml white wine
• 1 small onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 small courgette
• A handful of sugar snap peas
• 3 baby corn
• 5 asparagus tips
• A few spinach leaves
• 1 tbsp soft goat’s cheese
• Mixed herbs and black pepper to season

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 180^oC and line a baking tray with foil.
• Finely dice the onion and crush the garlic. Put both in a large saucepan with a little olive oil.
• Dice the rest of the vegetables, except the asparagus tips – leave these wholes.
• Put the veg (except asparagus tips) onto the baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a few mixed herbs. Put into the oven and roast for about 10-12 mins.
• Saute the onion and garlic until just softened, then add the rice to the pan. Stir so that the rice becomes coated in the oil. When the rice just begins to sizzle, add the wine and stir until the wine evaporates.
  
• Begin to add the stock, a small amount at a time. You can use a ladle to ensure you don’t put too much in at once. Let the stock simmer, but not boil and stir from time to time until it is absorbed into the rice. Then add the next ladleful of stock, and continue to stir.
• After 10 mins, take the veg out of the oven. Add the diced veg to the risotto and stir in.
• Put the asparagus tips into the oven to roast – about 8 mins.
• When all the stock has been absorbed (after about 20 mins), stir in a few spinach leaves and the goat's cheese. Season with the black pepper and mixed herbs, then remove from the heat.
• Allow to rest for a minute or two, then serve with the roasted asparagus tips on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4g

Keyword Italian recipes, Risotto Primavera, vegetarian recipe

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Pairing suggestions

Risotto Primavera pairs well with various foods and drinks.

1. Main Dishes:
   • Shrimp scampi adds lightness to risotto.
   • Grilled chicken, steak, or pork contrasts the creamy flavors of the dish.
   • Stuffed bell peppers add vegetable variety to risotto.
   • Baked salmon balances risotto’s richness.
   • Grilled halloumi cheese works as a vegetarian pairing.
2. Side Dishes:
   • A fresh green salad adds crisp acidity to risotto.
   • Roasted vegetables enhance the flavor of risotto.
3. Appetizers:
   • An antipasto platter pairs well as a starter before risotto.
4. Wine Pairings:
   • Vouvray matches asparagus and peas in risotto.
   • Gavi complements the creamy texture of risotto.
   • Soave enhances delicate risotto flavors.
   • Sancerre highlights vegetable notes in the dish.
   • Sauvignon Blanc pairs with lemon or asparagus risotto.
   • Prosecco adds sparkle to spring vegetables.
5. Other Beverage Options:
   • Sparkling water refreshes the palate.
   • Herbal iced tea complements flavors without overpowering.

Risotto variations

Risotto is adapted with a wide range of ingredients to create unique flavors and textures. Here are some notable variations:

1. Traditional Variations
   • Risotto alla Milanese uses saffron for a golden color and rich taste.
   • Porcini Mushroom Risotto features porcini mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
   • Asparagus and Bacon Risotto combines asparagus and crispy bacon.
2. Innovative Variations
   • Butternut Squash Risotto adds sweetness and vibrant color.
   • Squid Ink Risotto gives a black color and briny flavor.
   • Vegan Lemon Asparagus Risotto uses nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a rich flavor.
3. Seasonal and Unique Ingredients
   • Mushroom, Apple, and Walnut Risotto is a great combination.
   • Crab Risotto with Spinach and Peas has protein from seafood.
   • Farro Risotto uses Farro instead of Arborio rice for nuttiness and chewiness.
4. Creative Combinations
   • Risotto alla Carbonara use egg yolks and pancetta to enrich the dish.
   • Vegetable Risotto creates a colorful meal.
   • Smoked Ham Hock and Barley Risotto brings hearty flavors.

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