A vibrant and delicious bowl of Asparagus Risotto with Wild Rice, garnished with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese, shot with a shallow depth of field.

Asparagus risotto

asparagus risotto with wild rice

By Willow Creek

Published: 19 Feb 2025

Last night, I was craving something comforting and flavorful, something elegant but not overly fussy. That's when this Asparagus Risotto with Wild Rice came to mind. It hit all the right notes—a beautiful balance of earthy, nutty, and bright spring flavors. I had a friend over and we both agreed—it was a culinary masterpiece (if I may say so myself). So, buckle up, buttercup, and let's make some magic!
Close-up shot of a person stirring a creamy risotto in a pan, showcasing the vibrant green asparagus and nutty wild rice.
This recipe is an experience—a journey into the heart of Italian cuisine, albeit with a delightful twist. The subtle nuttiness of the wild rice complements the delicate sweetness of the asparagus beautifully, forming a harmonious dance of flavors on your palate. The creamy texture of the Arborio rice is pure perfection, and the Parmesan cheese adds that savory kick to round it all off. You are gonna love this!
A beautifully plated bowl of Asparagus Risotto with Wild Rice, garnished with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese, set on a rustic wooden table.
I've tweaked this recipe over the years, experimenting with different types of broth and cheese and learning as I go. What I've come to love about it most is its versatility—It is an excellent side dish or a vegetarian main course. Also, I've learned that patience is key, especially when it comes to creating a perfectly creamy risotto. Don't rush it! And if you're not familiar with risotto-making, there's no need for fear. This recipe is actually quite forgiving. Let's begin!
A step-by-step image collage showing the preparation and cooking process of the Asparagus Risotto with Wild Rice.

Required Equipments

  • Large saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rice cooker (optional)

Asparagus-Risotto-with-Wild-Rice

This Asparagus Risotto with Wild Rice is a delightful culinary creation—a harmonious blend of earthy wild rice, vibrant spring asparagus, and creamy Arborio rice. It's a recipe that's both elegant and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First things first, let's prep our veggies! Wash and snap off the tough ends of your asparagus. Then, cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. If you're feeling fancy (or lazy!), you can pre-chop this the night before.
  2. Next up, toast the wild rice! In a large saucepan over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup of wild rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant and lightly golden. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the wild rice. Don't rush it, or you might end up burning it! Ask me how I know...
  3. Now, let's saute some flavor! Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 finely chopped shallot to the saucepan. Saute until translucent—about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcook the shallot, or it'll get bitter; we just want to gently bring out its sweetness.
  4. Time to add the star of the show—the asparagus! Toss in the chopped asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to tenderize. We don't want to overcook it and turn it into mush! It's all about that bright green color and that satisfying crunch.
  5. Here comes the Arborio rice! Add 1 cup of Arborio rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it well with the olive oil and shallot mixture. It's crucial to get the rice nice and toasty before adding any liquid.
  6. Deglaze that pan! Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and stir until it's mostly absorbed. This will help create a rich base for our creamy risotto.
  7. Let's get this party simmering! Gradually add 4 cups of hot vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if that's your vibe), one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed before adding more. This is where patience pays off. It will take about 20-25 minutes and requires constant stirring—trust me!
  8. Almost there! Once the rice is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it (al dente is the goal!), stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will bring an incredible richness to your risotto.
  9. Season to perfection! Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Taste as you go, and don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You know your palate best!
  10. Garnish and serve! Before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (or chives, if you're a chives kind of person). Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve immediately. This risotto is best enjoyed fresh! Don't let it hang around too long; it can get a bit sticky

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
  • If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley flakes (use about 1 teaspoon).
  • Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 10g

Fat: 10g

Carbohydrates: 55g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 80 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“The joy of cooking lies not just in the result, but in the process—the aromas, the textures, and the artistry of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.”

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