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Asparagus and Courgette Risotto with Lemon

An easy vegan risotto that's naturally creamy, this asparagus and courgette risotto with lemon is full of flavour and perfect for dinner. If you thought it wasn't possible to have creamy, rich risotto without dairy, you're in for a surprise.
5 from 18 votes
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Course: Risotto
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 266kcal

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 7 oz (200 g) asparagus tips, chopped in 1 inch pieces
  • 1 medium courgette, diced
  • 2 shallots, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz (225 g) Carnaroli rice
  • 2.5 fl oz (75 ml) dry white wine
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 4 cups (1000 ml) vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 handful rocket
  • 1 ounce (30 g) pine nuts, toasted
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan and fry the asparagus for 5 minutes until it softens a bit. Add the diced courgette and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until both the asparagus and courgette are soft. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
    2 tbsp olive oil
    7 oz asparagus tips
    1 medium courgette
  • In the same pan, heat the rest of the olive oil and fry the shallot for 1-2 minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and continue to fry for 20 seconds until fragrant.
    2 shallots
    4 garlic cloves
  • Next, add the rice to the pan and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and add the white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest and cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
    8 oz Carnaroli rice
    2.5 fl oz dry white wine
    1 lemon
  • Pour ¼ of the stock in the pan and cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring as needed. Continue to add the stock one quarter at a time until the rice is creamy and soft. The rice is done when it's tender but still has a bit of a bite. Return the fried asparagus and courgette to the pan and stir well.
    4 cups vegetable stock
  • Stir in the nutritional yeast, rocket, and pine nuts. Season to taste and serve immediately, with extra rocket and toasted pine nuts on top, if you like.
    2 tbsp nutritional yeast
    1 handful rocket
    1 ounce pine nuts
    Salt and pepper

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 795mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g