Risotto with microgreens and edible flowers

Spring is the season of rebirth and an explosion of colors and flavors. During this period, nature offers us fresh and vibrant ingredients, perfect for creating remarkable culinary dishes. This risotto celebrates the essence of spring, enriched with microgreens and edible flowers, which add not just a splash of color but also subtle and refined flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth, kept at a boil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 bunch of asparagus, cut into 3 cm pieces
• 1 cup fresh peas
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup microgreens (e.g., basil or arugula)
• Edible flowers for decoration (e.g., violets or nasturtiums)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the base: In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and Arborio rice, stirring constantly, until the rice becomes slightly glassy, about 2 minutes.
2. Deglazing: Pour in the white wine and stir well until it is completely absorbed by the rice. This will add a note of acidity and depth to the final taste.
3. Cooking the risotto: Begin to gradually add the hot vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is almost completely absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
4. Adding the vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus and peas. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper.
5. Finishing: Take the pan off the heat and incorporate the remaining butter and grated Parmesan. Mix until the risotto becomes creamy.
6. Decorating: Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers for a vibrant and spring-like appearance.

Conclusion

This Risotto with microgreens and edible flowers is a celebration of the beauty and flavors that nature offers us. Each bite pays tribute to the diversity and richness of culinary arts, turning a simple dish into a unique and memorable experience. It’s perfect for a special evening or to impress guests with something different and full of color.

Do not hesitate to experiment with different types of microgreens and edible flowers, to personalize each plate and explore.