Spring Asparagus & Shrimp Risotto

Heat 1 table spoon olive oil in a large pan over the medium heat. Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, until softened. Add half the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the Arborio rice to the onion mixture and stir to coat. Hint: If you have some white wine handy, this would be the great time to add a splash! Just let it bubble until nearly evaporated. Otherwise, begin adding the stock to the pan, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring between each addition, until liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock by the 1/2-cupfull until the rice is tender with some bite to it, about 30 minutes.

In between additions, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in another medium pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook, tossing, for about 3 minutes. Add the shrimp and the remaining garlic and cook, tossing, until shrimp is just pink and asparagus is crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

When the risotto is al dente, stir in the shrimp, asparagus, 1 tablespoon butter, the lemon zest, half the parsley, and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of Meyer lemon.