Spring Vegetable Risotto with Goat Cheese and Mint

Spring Vegetable Risotto with Goat Cheese and Mint
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 leek, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced 
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped fine
  • 1 pound arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup peas - fresh or frozen
  • 4 oz goat cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/3 cup parsley, chopped 
  • 1/4 cup mint, chiffonade
  • Salt and pepper
Directions:
In a small saucepan, warm stock on medium high heat. Once it comes to a simmer turn heat to low and keep warm.

In a large pot, heat olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter on medium heat and add onion. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until translucent and then add leek and garlic. Saute for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add rice to pot and stir to coat in fat for 2 minutes. 

Pour in white wine and let it come to a simmer. Once wine has reduced, ladle in warm stock so it just covers rice. Stir and let simmer. As stock reduces, keep adding liquid (about 1 cup at a time). 

Once rice is almost cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, add asparagus and peas. Continue adding stock and stirring until rice and vegetables are all cooked through. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 3 oz of goat cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, parsley, and mint. 

Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately and pass remaining goat cheese and Parmesan cheese at the table for garnish.

Serves 6