Dinner

Oprah’s Spring Pea and Asparagus Risotto

Get ready to fall head over heels for this absolutely stunning spring risotto that brings together the best of the season in one incredible bowl!

This isn’t your typical stovetop risotto that requires constant stirring and babysitting – we’re taking the oven route for a foolproof, hands-off approach that delivers perfectly creamy, restaurant-quality results every single time.

The combination of sweet English peas, tender roasted asparagus, and nutty brown arborio rice creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple, fresh ingredients into something absolutely magical.

The brown arborio rice adds a wonderful nutty depth while still achieving that signature creamy risotto texture we all crave.

Meanwhile, the asparagus gets beautifully caramelized in the oven, adding smoky-sweet notes that perfectly complement the bright, pop-in-your-mouth freshness of the peas.

Finished with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a splash of white wine, and a bright hit of lemon zest, this risotto is pure spring perfection on a plate.

Trust me, once you try this oven method, you’ll never go back to the traditional stovetop stirring marathon!

Ingredients

For the risotto base

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small yellow onion, chopped)
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
5 cups (40 ounces) vegetable broth, divided
1 ½ cups brown arborio rice or short-grain brown rice

For the spring vegetables

1 big bunch fresh asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
1 ½ cups fresh English peas (about 8 ounces)

For finishing

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup dry white wine (optional)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste
Zest and juice of ½ lemon, preferably organic (about ¼ teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice) (about ¼ teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice)
Handful chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

1 Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position and place another rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This dual-rack setup is crucial for timing the asparagus and risotto perfectly together.
2 Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. The oil should move freely and have a slight shimmer on the surface – this indicates it’s at the perfect temperature for sautéing without burning the aromatics.
3 Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and turning translucent, about 5 minutes. The salt helps draw out moisture from the onions, speeding up the softening process. Add the minced garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Building the risotto

4 Add 4 cups broth (or 3 cups broth and 1 cup water if you’re conserving broth), cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. The liquid should be at a rolling boil before adding the rice to ensure even cooking throughout.
5 Remove from heat and stir in the rice, making sure all grains are well-coated with the liquid. Cover the pot tightly and bake for 55 minutes. The tight seal is essential to prevent moisture loss during the long baking time.

Preparing the vegetables

6 Meanwhile, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and discarding them, then slicing the spears diagonally into 1 ½-inch long pieces. The diagonal cut creates more surface area for caramelization and looks more elegant in the final dish.
7 On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Set aside for now – timing is everything with this recipe, so having everything prepped and ready is crucial.

Final cooking phase

8 Once the risotto has been in the oven for 55 minutes, transfer the asparagus to the lower rack of the oven. Carefully remove the pot from the oven and take off the lid – be cautious of the hot steam that will escape.
9 Quickly dump the peas inside the risotto pot, cover again, and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. This gentle steaming method keeps the peas bright green and perfectly tender without overcooking them.
10 Remove the risotto pot from the oven, but leave the asparagus in for another 5 to 10 minutes, until tender and roasted to your liking. The asparagus should be fork-tender with beautiful caramelized edges.
11 Remove the lid from the risotto and pour in the remaining 1 cup of broth, the Parmesan, wine, butter, salt, a generous amount of pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and the zest and juice of half your lemon. This is where the magic happens!
12 Using a big spoon or wooden spoon, stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is thick and creamy. The vigorous stirring releases the starches from the rice, creating that signature risotto creaminess. Stir in the roasted asparagus, season to taste with salt and pepper, divide into bowls, and top with a generous sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot – The thick bottom ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching during the long baking time
Large rimmed baking sheet – Essential for roasting the asparagus without pieces rolling off the edges
Wooden spoon or sturdy silicone spatula – Perfect for the vigorous stirring needed to achieve creamy texture without scratching your pot
Microplane grater – Creates the finest Parmesan shavings that melt seamlessly into the risotto

Helpful Upgrades:

Kitchen scale – For the most accurate rice measurements, especially important with brown arborio rice
Instant-read thermometer – Helps ensure your broth reaches proper boiling point for optimal rice cooking
Quality cutting board – A stable surface makes prep work safer and more efficient when chopping vegetables

Nice-to-Have Options:

Mandoline slicer – Creates perfectly uniform asparagus pieces for even cooking, though a sharp knife works just fine
Fine-mesh strainer – Useful if you want to strain your vegetable broth for an ultra-smooth base

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using pure arborio rice – just double-check your vegetable broth label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free
Some commercial broths contain wheat-based thickeners, so opt for brands specifically labeled gluten-free

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Replace Parmesan with ¾ cup nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheese-like flavor
Substitute butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter alternative
Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors without dairy

Vegan Modifications:

Follow dairy-free swaps above
Use vegetable broth (which this recipe already calls for)
Add 2 tablespoons tahini or cashew cream for extra richness
Boost umami with 1 tablespoon white miso paste stirred in at the end

Protein Additions:

Stir in 2 cups cooked white beans or chickpeas during the final mixing stage
Add 1 pound cooked shrimp or grilled chicken in the last 5 minutes
4 ounces goat cheese creates a luxurious, tangy variation

Seasonal Variations:

Summer: Replace peas with fresh corn kernels and zucchini
Fall: Use butternut squash and sage instead of peas and asparagus
Winter: Try roasted Brussels sprouts and dried cranberries

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This risotto delivers approximately 380 calories per serving with a fantastic balance of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. The brown arborio rice provides significantly more fiber and nutrients than traditional white rice, offering about 4 grams of fiber per serving. Each portion contains roughly 12 grams of protein from the combination of rice, Parmesan, and vegetables, plus 8 grams of healthy fats from olive oil and cheese.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The fresh asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support heart health and cellular function. English peas contribute plant-based protein, vitamin C, and fiber, while also providing natural sweetness without added sugars. Brown arborio rice retains its bran layer, delivering B-vitamins, magnesium, and selenium that support energy metabolism and immune function. The olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan with simple substitutions. It’s gluten-free when using certified gluten-free broth, making it suitable for those with celiac disease. The high fiber content supports digestive health, while the combination of complex carbs and protein provides sustained energy without blood sugar spikes.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Brown arborio rice → Regular arborio rice (reduce cooking time to 45 minutes)
Fresh English peas → Frozen peas (add directly without thawing) or sugar snap peas
Fresh asparagus → Broccolini, green beans, or zucchini cut into similar-sized pieces
Vegetable broth → Chicken broth or mushroom broth for deeper flavor

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano or aged cheddar (use ¾ cup instead of 1 cup)
Fresh herbs → 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (add with the rice)
White wine → Extra lemon juice plus 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh garlic → 1 teaspoon garlic powder (add with the onions)
Fresh lemon → 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice (though fresh is much better)
Olive oil → Avocado oil or melted butter for sautéing

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using frozen vegetables, add them 5 minutes later than fresh to prevent overcooking
Store leftover fresh herbs in water like flowers to extend their life
Taste and adjust seasoning when making substitutions, as different ingredients have varying salt levels

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace ½ cup of the rice with 1 cup riced cauliflower to reduce carbs by approximately 20 grams per serving
Increase the vegetable content by adding 1 cup diced zucchini or 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
Use ¾ cup rice instead of 1 ½ cups and bulk up with extra asparagus and peas

Portion & Timing Tips:

Serve ¾ cup portions as a side dish rather than main course servings
Pair with 4 ounces grilled protein and a large green salad to balance the meal
The fiber from brown rice and vegetables helps slow glucose absorption
Estimated carbs per modified serving: 35-40 grams (compared to 55 grams in original)

Blood Sugar Management:

Add 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts for healthy fats and protein that help stabilize blood sugar
The protein from Parmesan and fiber from vegetables naturally moderate the glycemic impact
Consider serving alongside lean protein to further balance the meal

Total Carb Reduction: Up to 30% fewer carbs with vegetable substitutions while maintaining the satisfying, creamy texture

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complements the fresh spring vegetables and creamy texture, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light pilsner provides a refreshing contrast. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or iced green tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations:
This risotto pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon for a complete meal. A mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and textural contrast, while roasted cherry tomatoes contribute bright acidity. For entertaining, serve alongside crusty sourdough bread and herb-crusted lamb chops for an elegant spring dinner.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with burrata and prosciutto as an appetizer, follow with this risotto as the main course, and finish with lemon panna cotta for a cohesive Italian-inspired menu. For casual dining, pair with grilled vegetables and garlic bread for a satisfying vegetarian feast.

Occasion Suggestions:
This dish shines at Easter brunch, Mother’s Day dinner, or any spring celebration where you want to showcase seasonal ingredients. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet comforting enough for family weeknight meals when you want something special.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Secrets:
Always toast your rice briefly with the aromatics before adding liquid – this extra step adds incredible depth of flavor and helps each grain maintain its texture. Warm your broth before adding it to the rice for more even cooking, and never skip the vigorous stirring at the end, as this releases the starches that create risotto’s signature creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage, as the flavors develop throughout cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t lift the lid during the initial 55-minute baking time, as this releases crucial steam needed for proper rice cooking. Avoid overcooking the asparagus – it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Never rinse the rice beforehand, as you need those surface starches for creaminess.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently to restore creaminess. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be partially prepped ahead by cooking the rice base and adding fresh vegetables when reheating.

Scaling Tips:
This recipe doubles easily – just use a larger Dutch oven and increase baking time by 10-15 minutes. For smaller portions, halve all ingredients but keep the same cooking times and temperatures.

There you have it – a show-stopping spring risotto that’ll have everyone asking for your secret! The beauty of this oven method means you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being chained to the stove, stirring constantly. Every spoonful delivers that perfect balance of creamy comfort and bright, fresh flavors that make spring cooking so special. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something extraordinary on a Tuesday night, this risotto proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. So grab those gorgeous spring vegetables, fire up your oven, and get ready to create some seriously delicious memories!