Step 1

Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms and saute 5 minutes, until tender and releasing juice. Add thyme and cook 1 minute, until fragrant. Using a slotted spoon, remove 1 cup of sauteed mushrooms and reserve for Wild Mushroom Turnovers with Romano Cheese.

Step 2

To the mushrooms in the pot, add rice and broth and asparagus and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 minutes, Stir in Parmesan and chopped parsley. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Ladle risotto into bowls and serve hot.

Step 3

Serving suggestions: Toss cherry tomatoes with bottled Caesar dressing and serve alongside risotto.