Today is Thursday, which means tomorrow is Cocktail Friday. That's how my train of thought is working this week. Fair enough, right? But if you just can't wait, I recommend making a dish that involves wine in some way, shape, or form. Like this risotto. Pop open a bottle but only need ½ C for your dish? Well, then it's only right that you have a glass or two with dinner. Wasting is bad.
To celebrate the almost end of another week, not only do I have a summery risotto recipe for you, but also a giveaway! Read to the end and enter to win a fabulous apron from Scarlet Threads.
I know I say this every time I make risotto, but it's easy. EASY. Stop being intimidated by the negative stigma risotto-making has somehow been labeled with, and just make it. You'll see for yourself. And then you'll wonder how on Earth you went so long in life without making risotto from scratch. And then you'll want to make it every night. And you'll never ever get sick of it. I promise. (Within limits. I mean, if you eat a bowl of risotto for every meal every day, you might start to get a little tired of it. But that's only a might).
Lemony Summer Risotto (serves 6):
print this recipe!
• 4-5 C vegetable broth
• 2 T butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 ½ C arborio rice
• ½ C dy white wine
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 small bunch asparagus, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1 ½ C corn (fresh or frozen. If frozen, defrosted)
• 1 bunch basil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ C parmesan
Start by bringing the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Then lower to a simmer.
Now, in a separate medium saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook about 3 minutes, until onions are transparent.
Add the rice and cook for about 2 minutes.
Add the wine and stir a bit, until the rice absorbs the wine. Add the lemon zest at this point, too.
Now, add 1 cup of the warmed vegetable broth to the rice. Stir. And let the rice absorb the stock. While I don't believe you have to stir like a crazy person like some risotto lovers will have you believe, I do think you should check on the pot every couple minutes and give it a good stir, so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
Once the vegetable broth is absorbed, continue to add more, a cup at a time, letting it absorb before adding more. Continue with the rest of the broth, or until the rice is nice and tender, but still firm.
While your rice is busy absorbing vegetable broth, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the asparagus and zucchini and saute for about 4-5 minutes, until tender.
When your risotto is done, add in the corn, basil, fresh lemon juice, parmesan. Then stir in the asparagus and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.
While some people think of risotto as a comforting winter dish, I say there's no way I could go a whole summer without risotto in my life. The lemony flavor and summer vegetables in this dish lightens things up, making it fit for a summer meal that doesn't stuff you (unless you eat the whole pot. Which I wouldn't put passed myself).
I loved the delicate, not over-powering lemon flavor, but if you like more, you can always add more lemon juice when your risotto is already on the table. Zest, too.
This is easy. And you really don't have to stand over a hot stove slaving away for a delicious dinner of risotto. Just relax, have fun, and stir the pot every now and then.
Scarlet Threads Apron Giveaway!
Have you guys heard of Scarlet Threads yet? It's a compassionate boutique that specializes in products designed and produced by talented seamstresses in Central Asia. The founders of Scarlet Threads, Carrie and Jacob, moved to China a few years ago and decided to start a sewing cooperative made up of the amazing seamstresses in the poverty-sticken area. The company aligns to fair trade principles, paying workers a fair wage and allowing them to work in their own homes according to their own hours.
I absolutely love that Carrie and Jacob say the result of their efforts with Scarlet Threads is "Dignity, which is always beautiful and never goes out of style."
And their products are beautiful! We especially love their aprons (but the kids' clothing is adorable and the handbags so fun) and lucky for us, Lexi has offered to let us give one away to one of our lucky readers! Here's the "Daphne" apron you could win:
And even if you don't win, you're in luck because Scarlet Threads is offering all WANM readers 25% off any of their products. Just enter code "WANM" when you're checking out for the discount.
To enter, just check out Scarlet Thread's shop and let us know what product is your favorite. I'm personally lusting after the Mattie May apron. Enter before Monday night at 11:59 for a chance to win.
For an extra entry, tweet about this giveaway (you can follow us on Twitter at We are not Martha and Scarlet Threads). Just let us know if you tweet, so we can give you an extra entry 🙂
Also, check out the cookbook swap Lexi is organizing and let her know if you would like to be involved,
Good luck! And happy almost Friday 🙂
Of course, I have to give a shout-out to the Boston Bruins (who I'm certain are reading this blog right now) for winning the Stanley Cup last night!! While I'm not the biggest hockey fan ever, I'm really excited that made it so far and actually won the whole thing. The Bruins totally deserved a win after all these years and their loyal diehard fans did, too! I love Boston!!!
And now I'm going to take a short break from my work to hang out at the pool with my sister for an hour. I don't generally take lunch breaks, so I figure I can spare an hour when the weather is nice (and it finally is!). Plus, I can chalk it up to sister time 🙂
[Sues]
sara says
What an adorable apron - so cute! I'm lusting after the Aubergine apron on their site.
Judimae says
What a great risotto recipe. I have never had a lemon-flavored one so this is definitely on my to try list. I love the use of corn in this recipe, which you don't often see in a risotto. I like the photos of the different steps -- very nice job!
Kathy says
That Risotto looks delicious. I'm really enjoying the Honey Moon wine right now - refreshing on a hot night. Yum.
I'm really liking that Cocoa shoulder bag, how cute!
Jessie says
I am also lovin' the Mattie May apron. Super cute! I also tweeted about the contest also! hope you gal's are doing well!
Sarah says
Since red is my favorite color I'm going to have to say the Daphne apron is my fave! And this recipe looks AMAZING for summer dining...I'm definitely adding it to my recipe box.
Elina (Russian Bites) says
First of all, risotto totally IS easy. I really don't understand why some people still get intimidated!
Second, love the summery flavors. I bet some chickpeas or baked tofu cubes (like the one from TJ's... love it) would be great in it to make a balanced one pot meal 🙂
Third (geez, writing a novel here, hehe) the Mattie May apron is GEORGEOUS and I absolutely adore the story of the company and their positive message.
Sarah says
I just tweeted too! 🙂
Erica says
Hope the pool was fabulous! Risotto is so awesome. I need to make it again. Your veggie add ins look amazing. Congrats to the Bruins- whoop!
Maureen says
I love the Daphne that's featured. Adorable!
Lexi says
This is obviously not an entry, but just a big THANK YOU for posting and hosting this 🙂
So excited for the winner!
This recipe also sounds so good, and I think I will try it this weekend!
Alicia@Charitywedding says
Mattie May tops my list of must haves for sure! And that recipe looks delicious, I just may have to give it a try!
d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo says
I love lemon risotto for the spring, its so great!
I love the Daphne - the pocket is too cute!!
Also - GO BRUINS!
Emily says
I love the Mattie May!
I never make spring/summer risotto but should!
Sarah says
The Mattie May is the BEST!
kimz says
Mattie May, you must be mine! And what excellent timing this would be - right now I use my roommate's apron, but I'm moving out in a month!
Meghan@travelwinedine says
I love that wine and anything lemony in the summer time! I actually don't own an apron, and that one is adorable!
Emily says
I have to agree, Mattie May is adorable!!
Elizabeth says
Love the zucchini and corn in it, makes it so summery!
Erin says
This dish looks amazing! I think I'll have to make this tonight 🙂
The Aubergine is my favorite - love the colors!
Samantha says
Oh I agree! The Mattie May is super cute!
Maggie G says
I love the one you have posted here on the site best, but they're all so cute! The kids clothes almost make me want to have a little one 🙂
Maris says
Love the Mattie May
Andreea says
Aubergine!!! but their bags are pretty cool too. I'll have to try the risotto recipe soon.
Michelle says
Love this risotto...and yay for the Bruins!
Sharlene says
I'm in complete agreement with the Mattie May apron. So cute! I love making risotto. I, too, thought it was really difficult and stayed away from it for a long time but after making it the first time now I'm hooked! Love this summery version.
Christina says
Gosh, I love the Daphne and Mattie May aprons! I also wish I knew a little girl who could wear the Poppy dress!
Allie says
I love the Mattie May! A girl's gotta look good while cooking 🙂
Allie says
I also tweeted about the giveaway 🙂
Laura L. says
I love the mattie may apron, and the tiger hats are very cute also!
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather says
Such a cute apron! The mattie may and daphne both look great!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
I'm with you - that Mattie May apron is SO adorbale! Fun giveaway :).
Baking Serendipity says
I like any excuse to open a bottle of wine 🙂 Lemon does sound like a fantastic summer risotto flavor! I like the mattie may apron best too, but loooove the sadie purse 🙂
Football & Fried Rice says
Oh, Scarlet Threads is so very dear to my heart! Our baby girl spent the first three years of her life in the very village where Scarlet Threads was founded! Carrie met my daughter before we did!
And ironically? Don't hate me for this - the v.e.r.y. first time I ever tried risotto? In Zhengzhou, China! Yep - our hotel had an Italian restaurant - I ate it every day for a week! I can't wait to make this summery version!!
And I love that Mattie May apron! Too cute!
Heather says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Scarlet Threads. My favorite item in their current inventory is the Daphne. And I'm thrilled to have found your site!
Valerie A. says
I LOVE the Daphne apron!
And I must add that I purchased the Mattie May apron for my sister for her birthday and she LOVES it! (It is even more beautiful in person if you can believe it.) So glad to have come across your blog, will be following. ALSO, yay, to the hockey!! 🙂
Susan says
I love risotto and this recipe is especially summery. I can't wait to try it!
What a cool giveaway! I personally love the Aubergine apron.
Julie L says
Poppy dress for little girls darling favorite
thanks
Kerstin says
I think the Mattie May is my favorite too! And what a lovely risotto - yum!
Shihwe says
Daphne-i love coral red/turquoise blue color combos and the no-nonsense half-apron design!
Cyan says
Love the Cocoa--Chocolate brown, teal, and a little punch of pink...what more could a gal want in a cute summer purse!
The Dinner Belle for Kimberlybelle.com says
What a perfect risotto to celebrate summer!
The Dinner Belle for Kimberlybelle.com
Chris M. says
I like the Daphne. Thanks!
The Duo Dishes says
Nice, bright risotto. You're right about how easy it can be. Plus, it's fun to make seasonal versions. Red wine risottos are nice during the fall and winter too. Delish!
Kim says
Made this last night. HUGE COMPLIMENTS!