Asparagus risotto

This requires constant attention but the results are worth it! It makes a luxurious side dish for many poultry and meat dishes–or just on it’s own! It is vegetarian if you use vegetable stock.

1 lb asparagus, thin spears (~1/2 inch) preferred
2 c arborio or carnaroli rice (do not wash)
¼ c finely chopped shallots or onion
3 c (about) meat, chicken, or vegetable stock
3 TB butter, divided
2 TB vegetable oil
1/3 c grated parmesan cheese
Black pepper

Trim an inch or so off the butt end of the asparagus—this part is often fibrous. Cut the remaining stems into 3 pieces and set the tips aside.

Bring 3 c of salted water to a boil. Add the stem pieces, cook for a couple of minutes, then add the tips. When done to your liking, drain and reserve the cooking liquid. Rinse under cold water and set aside.

Add stock to the asparagus liquid to make a total of 6 c. Put in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.

In a 2 quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, put 1 TB of butter and the oil. Put over medium heat and sauté the shallots for a couple of minutes—they should not brown. Add the rice and stir to coat. Continue to stir for a minute or two and then start adding the stock, about 1/2 c at a time. Stir continuously until the liquid is almost gone. Add another ½ c of stock and continue in this manner until you have used all the liquid. Remove from the heat, stir in the cheese and some pepper. Check for salt and add some if needed, which you probably won’t. Add the asparagus, cover and let sit for a few minutes. Ready to serve!

Pasta with asparagus and wild mushrooms

Simple and delicious! You really should have oysters mushrooms for this, and lately these can be found in some markets. Lacking these, the regular store-bought “button” mushrooms will do.

Oyster mushrooms cleaned and cit into bite-size pieces, about 2 cups.
One bunch asparagus.
Good quality olive oil, about 1/2 c
Salt and pepper
1/2 to 3/4 pound long pasta

While making the asparagus, cook the pasta in salted water per package directions. Try to time it so the pasta is done just a moment or two before the asparagus is ready.

Heat a couple of TB oil in a non-stick skillet and cook the mushrooms and a pinch of salt over medium heat until cooked through and just starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, trim the tough stem ends from the asparagus and discard (or save for soup). Cut the trimmed asparagus stalks into 3 pieces, keeping the tip pieces separate from the stem pieces. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside. Heat another couple of TB oil over medium heat and add the asparagus stem pieces. Sauté for about a minute and then add the tips. Continue cooking until just crisp-tender, return the mushrooms to the pan, and season to taste with S&P. Dress with the remaining oil, toss with the drained and still-hot pasta, and serve with Romano or Parmesan cheese to grate on top (no, NOT the pre-grated stuff!).