San Francisco in May is the perfect time to enjoy healthy recipes with fresh foods. Here is a classic recipe with a healthy twist.

Lemony Asparagus Risotto

You could serve this healthy dish on its own or as a base for fresh fish, grilled chicken, or seafood.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 cup arborio rice

• 1 leek or large diced white onion

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 4 chopped garlic cloves,

• 1/4 cup white wine, optional

• 1 lemon

• 3 1/2– to 4 cups hot vegetarian broth

• 1/2 cup basil leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Garnish options include lemon zest, basil ribbons, toasted nuts or seeds, chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil, and pecorino cheese.

Instructions

Heat a small pot of water to boiling.

Prep the asparagus by cutting off and throwing away the fibrous ends. Also, cut off the tips but lay them aside. Cut the "middles" into 1-inch pieces. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of "middles." Add any remaining “middles” to the tips and set them aside.

Blanch the 1 1/2 cups of asparagus "middles" until tender (about five minutes). Partially drain, reserving 1 cup of the liquid. Then blend the blanched asparagus and the cooking liquid, 2 tablespoons oil, and the basil leaves until smooth. Set aside.

Thinly slice the leeks or dice the onions, rinsing away the dirt. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, and add the leeks or onions. Saute until softened. (5 to 6 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for two more minutes.

Add the rice and stir to coat (1 minute). Deglaze with white wine (optional), and cook the wine off. Add one cup of hot vegetarian broth, scraping up the brown bits. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, occasionally stirring until the rice absorbs all the broth. Continue adding the hot broth 1 cup at a time until the rice absorbs each cup. When you add the last cup of broth, add the asparagus with tips, cooking them in the risotto for about three minutes.

Stir in the blended asparagus-basil sauce. Then season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Heat gently over low heat to thicken. Divide among bowls and garnish as you prefer.

Convenience

Remember that there is a Whole Foods Market conveniently onsite at Soma at 788. Pop downstairs to easily buy fresh, healthy ingredients – just one major perk of living in our incredible community! Contact us for a tour today. Image by Africa Studio in Shutterstock.