Asparagus, pea and mint risotto (risotto primavera)

Method

1. For the pea purée, put the frozen peas in a heatproof bowl and defrost by covering with boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor and whizz with the spinach, rapeseed oil, lemon and parsley until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan and gently cook the chopped white part of the spring onions, celery and asparagus stalks until softened (about 10 minutes).
3. Meanwhile, put the stock in a pan and gently heat until hot but not boiling. Keep warm on a low heat.
Recipe continues after advertising
Advertisement
4. Stir the rice into the vegetables to coat the grains in the oil, then cook for 1-2 minutes more. Pour n the wine, bring up to a fast simmer and cook until most of the wine has evaporated. Start adding a litre of stock a ladleful at a time, stirring often, only adding more once the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. (This should take around 20 minutes.)
5. Meanwhile, make a salsa: chop the reserved green part of the spring onions and mix in a bowl with the mint, anchovies, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest and juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the rice is still hard after it has absorbed a litre of stock, stir in a little more. As the rice is starting to become plump and tender, about 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the asparagus tips, peas and pea purée, then cook until the rice is tender.
6. Stir in the butter and pecorino, taste, season and serve with the mint salsa for drizzling over.