Golden Mushroom Pea and Asparagus Risotto

3 1/2 - 4 cups vegetable stock
1 lb. asparagus, tough ends trimmed
1 cup onion, diced
2 T. olive oil
1 1/2 cups cremini mushrooms, destemmed, cut in half lengthwise, and sliced
2 T. garlic, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
1/4 t. saffron threads
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
1/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
2 T. freshly chopped dill
2 t. finely grated lemon zest


In a medium saucepan, place the vegetable stock, and bring to a
boil.

Slice the asparagus spears diagonally into 1-inch pieces and
place them in a fine mesh strainer.

Place the strainer in the boiling vegetable stock and cook
the asparagus in the stock for 2 minutes to blanch them.

Remove the strainer from the stock and set the asparagus aside.

Reduce the heat of the stock to low.

In a large saucepan, saute the onion in the olive oil for 3
minutes to soften.

Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute the mixture an additional
3 minutes.

Add the Arborio rice, stir well to coat it with the sauteed
vegetable mixture, and cook an additional 2 minutes while
stirring constantly or until rice turns opaque.

Add the white wine (or use some of the stock if omitting) and
saffron threads, season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir
well to combine.

Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture while stirring
occasionally until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Add 1/2 cup of the simmering vegetable stock and continue to
cook, while stirring occasionally, until all of the stock has
been absorbed.

Repeat the procedure of adding a 1/2 cup of simmering stock,
stirring, and cooking until fully absorbed before adding
additional stock, until all but a 1/2 cup of stock remains.

Add the blanched asparagus, along with the remaining
ingredients, and stir well to combine.

Cook the mixture an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring
constantly, adding the remaining stock, as needed, so that the
rice is tender a nd the risotto has a creamy consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasonings, as desired.

Serves 4 (main dish) or 6 (side dish)