Asparagus Risotto

16 asparagus stalks, trimmed & cut into large pieces 16
250 ml shelled peas 1 cup
30 ml oil 2 tbsp
1 onion, diced 1
1 fennel bulb, diced 1
250 ml arborio rice 1 cup
750 ml chicken stock 3 cup
15 ml lemon zest 1 tbsp
250 ml parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup
- salt & pepper to taste -

Steam asparagus and peas for 3 minutes or until tender. Rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process.

In a large skillet; heat oil. Add onion and fennel. Cook for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add rice and stir until coated in oil. Add chicken stock 1/2 cup (125 ml) at a time, stirring frequently. As rice absorbs stock, add more, stirring often to prevent rice from sticking. Reserve 1/4 cup (50 ml) to add at the end. The rice should be firm and fully cooked after about 25 minutes.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking; add vegetables and lemon zest. Stir gently. Remove from heat and add the last of the stock, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until cheese melts.

Serves 4