Want to highlight fresh spring vegetables, then you have to try this simple Ala Minute risotto. Creamy cashew cream is paired with brown rice and spring vegetables on this variation of the traditional.
First, prepare your mise en place.
To enhance the Basic White Sauce, in a blender, combine the Basic White Sauce with lemon juice and zest until smooth. Set aside.
To sauté the aromatics, bring a deep fry pan to medium heat. Add the olive oil and leeks, stirring until golden and just about to stick. Add the peas, zucchini, and asparagus and continue to sauté for a few minutes. When they begin to stick, deglaze the pan with the white wine.
*Note: If cooking with no oil, add 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable stock in place of the olive oil.
To finish the risotto, add the brown rice, mint and parsley and combine thoroughly. Sauté for 2 to 4 minutes until it sticks. Add a splash of vegetable stock, then pour the white sauce over the rice mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir continuously and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken. Add more vegetable stock to loosen, if needed.
Remove from the heat, season with freshly-ground black pepper, lemon zest and a drizzle of truffle oil.
Cover the risotto with optional fresh-shaved truffles.