Risotto w/ Asparagus & Buffalo Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 7 cups light chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1/2 pound thin asparagus
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium leek, white and tender green parts only, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 6oz buffalo mozzarella, cut into 6 slices, at room temp
• balsamic vinegar, for drizzling

Instructions:

Bring the stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add the asparagus and cook over moderately high heat until barely tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, then transfer the asparagus into 1-inch lengths. Cover the stock and keep at a bare simmer. Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, leek and thyme and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until slightly golden, about 1 minute. Add enough hot stock to cover the rice and simmer, stirring constantly, until almost evaporated. Add the wine and stock to cover and simmer, stirring, until absorbed. Continue adding more stock and stirring constantly until it is absorbed. The risotto is done when it is still a little loose and the rice is tender but slightly firm, abotu 25 minutes total. Stir in the spinach and then the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into bowls and top with a slice of mozzarella, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and serve.