Courgette and Asparagus Risotto

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and quickly sauté the courgettes, seasoned with salt and pepper, until just tender. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon. If needed, add another 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, and sauté the asparagus until just tender. Add to the sautéed courgette and set aside.
2. Put the onion in the same pan, season with salt and pepper, and gently fry until it is soft but not coloured. Add the chopped garlic and fry for a further 30 seconds. Meanwhile, heat the stock to a simmer in a separate, large pan and turn the heat to low.
3. Stir the rice into the onion mixture over a low heat until all the grains are coated and the rice becomes shiny and translucent. Start to add the simmering stock, a ladle at a time. Allow each ladle of stock to be absorbed before adding the next. Once all the stock has been added, test the rice. It should be tender with bite.
4. Add the lemon zest and juice, followed by the mint, basil and pine nuts and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed, then stir the sautéed courgette and asparagus into the rice. To serve, spoon into warm bowls and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

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