In most places the summer is too warm to stand over a stove making risotto for 20-30 minutes, but thankfully it’s pretty cool in Seattle and on the right weekend this is a perfect was to celebrate the flavors of the summer in a delicious and simple dish. I used regular rice since arborio rice is a bit pricey, but the dish has the same soul as a real risotto I feel.

Summer Risotto

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
8 oz peas (fresh or frozen)
2 zucchini, cut into 1″ pieces
1 tbsp butter
3 to 4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1 cup rice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Saute the zucchini and summer squash until just starting to brown, about 7 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer. Add the remaining tbsp of olive oil to the pan. Over medium heat, saute the shallots until tender, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the rice and saute for 1 minute, constantly stirring. Add 1 cup of the simmering vegetable broth, stirring continuously until almost all of it evaporates. Add another 1/2 cup of the broth and stir until it evaporates. Repeat with remaining broth until rice is tender and cooked through, reserving 1/4 cup of broth.
4. Add the veggies to the pan and cook for one minute or until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the reserved 1/4 cup broth, parmesan cheese, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and better. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Source: Eats Well With Others