Ina says: “You could stand at the stove stirring risotto for 25 to 30 minutes, or you could combine the ingredients in a Dutch oven, throw it in the oven for 35 minutes, and spend the time doing something much more fun. I know which I would choose! Asparagus, saffron, wine and parmesan make this risotto particularly satisfying.”

Serves 4

Ingredients

Good olive oil
1¼ cups thinly sliced shallots (2 large)
1 pound (450g) fresh asparagus, tough ends removed, cut diagonally in 1-inch (2.5cm) lengths (instead of asparagus, you can use broccolini, broccoli, snow peas or snap peas; or you can add frozen peas just before serving).
1½ cups Arborio rice (10 ounces/275g)
5 to 6 cups simmering chicken stock
½ teaspoon saffron threads
½ cup dry white wine
1 cup freshly grated Italian parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
Kosher (sea) salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/gas mark 4.

In a medium (11-inch/28cm) Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes. Add the asparagus and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

In the same Dutch oven, heat one additional tablespoon olive oil. Add the rice and stir to coat the rice with oil. Add 4 cups of the chicken stock and the saffron, bring to a simmer and cover. Transfer to the oven and bake for 35 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from the oven and add the white wine, stirring well until incorporated, then add one more cup of chicken stock, the parmesan, butter, 2½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes, until the risotto is thick and creamy, adding more chicken stock, if necessary, to keep the risotto very creamy. Stir in the asparagus and shallot mixture and serve hot sprinkled with extra grated parmesan.

The Barefoot Contessa: 3 comforting, warming recipes that make winter dinners easy