Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

This delightful and filling risotto makes a lot -- so be sure you have friends over to help finish it all, or you'll be having risotto for days on end! Though I suppose that may not be a bad thing.



Recipe originally found at MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients

• 1 pound assorted mushrooms, such as oyster and cremini, cleaned
• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for serving
• 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 1 cup dry white wine
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Method

1. Remove stems from mushrooms; set aside. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside two-thirds of the mushrooms and coarsely chop the remaining mushrooms; set aside. Place porcini mushrooms, mushroom stems, and 6 cups water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Let boil for 2 minutes; immediately remove from heat and let stand 15 to 20 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another medium saucepan; discard solids. Place mushroom stock over low heat and keep covered until ready to use.
2. Cut 2 inches from the top of asparagus; set aside. Cut remaining portion of the asparagus crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Bring a small saucepan of salted water to a boil; prepare an ice-water bath. Place asparagus tips in boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes; drain and immediately transfer to ice-water bath to cool.
3. Drain and set aside. Repeat process with 1/4-inch asparagus pieces.
4. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat.
5. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 2 minutes.
6. Add rice and stir to coat. Add wine and increase heat to medium-high; season with 2 teaspoons salt. Let cook, stirring, until liquid is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the warm mushroom stock and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Repeat this process 2 more times.
7. Add reserved coarsely chopped mushrooms and season with 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue adding mushroom stock, 1/2 cup at a time, and cook, stirring, until liquid has almost evaporated, about every 2 minutes, until rice is al dente, 20 to 30 minutes total.
8. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add remaining two-thirds of the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add asparagus tips and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
9. Add 1/4-inch pieces of asparagus to risotto and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove risotto from heat and add remaining 1/4 cup olive oil to risotto, along with butter and cheese. Stir until butter has melted and mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Divide risotto evenly among 4 serving plates. Top with sauteed mushrooms and asparagus tips. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.