Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (kept warm)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh lemon zest and juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Asparagus:

   • In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until it's bright green and slightly tender. Then, transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3. Toast the Rice:

   • Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the sautéed onion. Stir for a minute or two until the rice is well-coated with the butter and oil and heated through.

4. Add the Garlic:

   • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

5. Add the Wine:

   • Pour in the white wine and cook until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.

6. Cook the Risotto:

   • Begin adding the warm broth to the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each ladle of broth to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired level of doneness, usually about 18-20 minutes.

7. Add the Asparagus:

   • About 5 minutes before the risotto is done, stir in the blanched asparagus and cook until it's heated through.

8. Stir in the Parmesan:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the risotto is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

9. Optional Lemon Zest and Juice:

   • For a bright and fresh touch, you can add some fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the risotto.

10. Serve Hot:

• Garnish the Creamy Risotto and Asparagus with chopped fresh parsley and serve it hot.

Creamy risotto with asparagus is a flavorful and elegant dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet meal. The combination of creamy rice and fresh asparagus creates a delightful and visually appealing taste. Enjoy your homemade risotto!