1c Arborio rice, or other short-grain Italian rice
1/4c dry white wine
1c diced zucchini
1/2c frozen peas, thawed
1/2c asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1c cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 t salt
1/4c chopped fresh basil
1 T unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4c freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Warm the broth in a small pot.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until it’s soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rice, and stir to coat.
Cook until the rice grains are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the white wine, and cook until it’s absorbed.
Add a ladle full of broth or water to cover, cook until it’s absorbed, and give the rice a good stir.
Continue to add the broth and mix as the broth is absorbed until the rice is al dente, adding the zucchini, peas, tomatoes and asparagus, 1/4 teaspoon salt for the last 5 minutes. The process should take about 20 to 25 minutes from the first addition of liquid, with the final product still a bit loose and creamy, but not runny.
Stir in the basil, butter, grated cheese and serve right away.
Notes
Adding protein: lardons (cooked with the onion), or shrimp at the end. Cooked chicken.