Baked Asparagus and Spinach Risotto (Cooking Light)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 0
Baked Asparagus and Spinach Risotto is a healthy and delicious comfort food that's easy to make
in Main

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup uncooked arborio rice
4 ounces fresh spinach leaves
3 cups reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese , divided
1 1/2 cups diagonally sliced asparagus , in 1 inch pieces

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
238
Sugar
1g
Fat
8g
Baked Asparagus and Spinach Risotto is a healthy twist on a classic Italian dish that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Risotto is a rice dish that originated in Northern Italy and has become a popular comfort food around the world. The traditional way of making risotto involves stirring hot broth into a pot of rice until it becomes creamy and tender. However, this recipe simplifies the process by first simmering the rice in a Dutch oven on the stove and finishing it in the oven. This method ensures the risotto is evenly cooked and eliminates the need for constant stirring. The recipe combines the savory taste of arborio rice with fresh spinach and asparagus, making it a perfect springtime meal. You can serve it as a main dish or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. This recipe serves six people and can be a great addition to your weekly meal prep routine.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.Heat a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan. Once heated, add chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes.
3.Add arborio rice and sauté for an additional minute while constantly stirring.
4.Put spinach, broth, salt, and nutmeg in the pot.
5.Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cover and transfer the pot to the oven.
6.Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the oven and stir in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, asparagus, and a little bit more broth if your risotto is too dry.
7.Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
8.Remove the pot and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
9.Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

PROS

This dish is an excellent source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low in fat.
The risotto is creamy, savory, and rich in flavor.
The asparagus and spinach provide a vibrant green color and fresh taste.
The cooking process is straightforward, and the oven does most of the work for you.

CONS

The recipe may take a bit longer than other risotto recipes because it requires baking.
The rice may be a bit firm if someone likes their risotto to be really soft and creamy.
Also, it’s essential to remove the risotto from the oven at the right time to avoid overcooking the asparagus.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Asparagus is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit your digestion, brain function, heart health, and blood sugar levels. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your immune system, eye health, skin health, and bones strength. Arborio rice is a great source of carbs, fiber, and protein that can keep you full and energized throughout the day. Olive oil and parmesan cheese contain healthy fats that can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

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