Spring Renewal Lemon Asparagus Risotto

Easy Recipe, Fancy Taste

Hey there, Wellkulå Friend!

Welcome the renewal of spring with a dish that’s as vibrant as the season itself—Spring Renewal Lemon Asparagus Risotto. This creamy and satisfying risotto is infused with zesty lemon, tender asparagus, and a touch of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s a gluten-free, plant-based comfort dish that feels indulgent yet supports your wellness goals. Perfect for a special dinner or to elevate a cozy night at home!

#Cellcare ingredient health benefits

ASPARAGUS | DETOXIFYING SUPERFOOD

Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable high in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. It acts as a natural diuretic, supporting kidney function and detoxification, while antioxidants like glutathione help combat oxidative stress.

LEMON | VITAMIN C POWERHOUSE

Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health, skin radiance, and iron absorption. Its bright flavor also adds a refreshing tang to balance creamy dishes like risotto.

NUTRITIONAL YEAST | PLANT-BASED B12 SOURCE

Nutritional yeast is a popular superfood among plant-based eaters. It’s an excellent source of B vitamins, including B12 (in fortified varieties), and provides a cheesy flavor without dairy.

ARBORIO RICE | ENERGIZING COMPLEX CARBS 

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that’s naturally gluten-free. It provides a steady source of energy through complex carbohydrates and creates the creamy texture risotto is known for.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL | HEART-HEALTHY FATS

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which support cardiovascular health. It also adds a subtle, fruity flavor to this dish, enhancing the overall taste.

WELLKHANA KITCHEN RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup Arborio rice

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional) or extra vegetable broth

  • 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté | Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

  2. Toast the Rice | Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.

  3. Deglaze | Add white wine (if using) and cook, stirring, until mostly absorbed.

  4. Cook the Risotto | Add warmed vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue this process for about 20 minutes or until the rice is creamy and tender.

  5. Steam Asparagus | In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the asparagus pieces to cook them until tender but still bright green.

  6. Add Flavor | Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

  7. Serve | Divide the risotto into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Lemon wedges

  • Vegan Parmesan or additional nutritional yeast

  • Cracked black pepper

Easy, Delicious, and Nutritious

This Spring Renewal Lemon Asparagus Risotto is the perfect way to celebrate the season of growth and renewal. Creamy, tangy, and brimming with fresh asparagus, this dish is proof that indulgence and health can go hand in hand. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, this risotto is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Until next time, Dr. Monisha


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by Dr. Monisha Bhanote

✅ EVIDENCE-INFORMED REVIEWED ARTICLE

About the Author

Monisha Bhanote, MD, FCAP, ABOIM, is one of the few quintuple board-certified physicians in the nation. She combines ancient wisdom with mind-body science to naturally bio-hack the human body through her expertise as a cytopathologist, functional culinary medicine specialist, and integrative lifestyle medicine doctor. Known as the Wellbeing Doctor, Dr. Bhanote has diagnosed over one million cancer cases, provides health programs at DrBhanote.com, and leads wellness workshops and retreats worldwide. Featured in Shape, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Living, Dr. Bhanote serves on several clinical advisory boards and is a go-to health and wellness expert for Healthline, Psych Central, and Medical News Today.