Asparagus Risotto - Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre

Ingredients

• 6 to 7 c. vegetable stock
• 1 c. finely chopped onion (shallots or leeks)
• 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1 cm long pieces
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic
• 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 c. dry Arborio rice
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
• 1 tsp. lemon zest (optional)
• Nutritional yeast (optional seasoning)
• 1/4 c. ground cashews (or other nut) to garnish (optional)
• 1 tsp. salt