Asparagus and Scallop Risotto

With

Silvia Colloca

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Ingredients

1 tbs Colovita olive oil
1 tbs butter
150 gr Scallop
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch of asparagus, well washed, cut in half
3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbs butter (plus a little extra for mixing in at the end)
350 gr of Arborio rice
200 ml of dry white wine
2 lt of vegetable stock, warmed
salt and pepper for seasoning
balsamic vinegar to drizzle on top

Method

1. Heat oil and butter into a large non-stick frypan over medium heat. Sear scallops on both sides for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Trim odd the woody end of the asparagus, if they are thick, peel the stalk, Cut into 2 cm pieces, keeping the spears intact. Set aside. dd the rice and toast well in the fat. Deglaze with wine and cook out the alcohol. Start adding the stock, a few ladlefuls at a time so that the rice is always submerged. Don’t over stir. Just do it gently and occasionally. The more you stir, the more you have to stir to stop it from sticking! Keep doing it for 15-16 minutes or until the rice is almost al dente. Add the asparagus and toss through. Taste for seasoning and adjust to your liking. At this point turn off the heat.

3. Add 1 more tablespoon of butter and 1 ladleful of stock and stir vigorously to release the starch. Put the lid on and keep it undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. In this time the rice will also continue cooking, this is why it’s important to turn the heat off when it’s still not quite al dente. Remove the lid, divide into shallow bowls, top each bowl with scallops , freshly ground black or white pepper and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Silvia Colloca

Silvia Colloca is a Roman-born cook, opera singer and cookbook author who has spent the last decade documenting the regional cooking of Italy from her home in Sydney. She fronts Silvia’s Masterclass, working through the country one mother-recipe at a time. Her style is patient: fresh pasta by hand, long-rise focaccia, sauces built slow.