CHAMPAGNE RISOTTO WITH GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND BACON

Champagne Risotto with Grilled Asparagus and Bacon image

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 slices appled smoked bacon, diced
12 stalk asparagus spears
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup Arborio rice
1 cup Champagne
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook bacon, transfer to paper towel, dice when cool. Grill asparagus in cooking spray or oil until golden brown. Cut into one inch pieces, set aside. In medium saucepan, bring broth to boil. Reduce to simmer. IN another saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the garlic and onions and cook til tender. Add the rice and continue to cook until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Add Champagne and simmer until the liquid has almost evaporated. Add 1/2 cup of the simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, and waiting until broth is absorbed, stirring almost constantly. Cook until the rice is tender(but still firm to the bite) and the mixture is creamy, about 20 min total. Remove pan from heat and gently fold in the asparagus, remaining butter, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Sppon the risotto onto serving dishes and sprinkle the bacon over top