An easy spring risotto that can serve 4-6 as a side dish or 2 generous main dishes. If you love lemon and want to add more, peel and cut sections of 1 lemon (supremes) and half them, then stir them in 5 minutes before the end of cooking time.
In a large pan with high sides heat olive oil on medium low, add shallot and garlic and cook gently until translucent.
Stir in rice, wine and bay leaf.
Start adding in stock ½ c at a time stirring every few minutes and adding more stock as it becomes absorbed.
After 20 minutes when the rice is nearly done, add in the lemon zest, juice, asparagus and herbs and stir gently.
Add in parmesan and cream and cook, stirring gently 5 more minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve in bowls and garnish with chives and more freshly grated parmesan cheese and pepper
Notes
For an extra fresh presentation, blanch the asparagus tips to use as a garnish on top of the plated risotto once it's done. Extra fresh ground pepper and grated parmesan at the table are a nice touch.