Asparagus, pea and mint risotto – video

How to make:

• 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.
• 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.
• Meanwhile, put the stock in a pan and gently heat until hot but not boiling. Keep warm on a low heat.
• 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.
• 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.
• Stir in the butter and pecorino, taste, season and serve with the mint salsa for drizzling over.

For more zingy flavours, go for this asparagus, pecorino and lemon risotto.