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Crab Risotto with Asparagus

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Date Night or Valentine's Day Crab Risotto with Asparagus from www.SeasonedSprinkles.com

I always stress myself out about Valentine’s Day. My husband is a hard man to surprise and buy gifts for.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

Point and case: our first Valentine’s Day, like a thousand and five years ago (or really 15), I tried really hard to come up with a good surprise for him. We had only been dating for 3 and a half months. And because we were so young and it was our first real relationship, we did things like celebrate all the little milestones including our 3 month anniversary. Nate hit it out of the park. Seriously, he pulled out all the stops and created this insanely sweet scavenger hunt that lead to a little present. My little teenage girl heart melted into a puddle.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

I decided that he NEEDED a good Valentine’s Day. I was really serious about it. So I pulled out all the stops. I did research. I decided I would go over to his dorm after I was out of school and have his roommate let me into his suite where I would then whip up a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner while Nate was at track practice. Good plan right?

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

In theory. It all went well. I had my recipes picked and had talked with his roommate. A few days before Valentine’s Day, I was visiting Nate. His roommate caught me when Nate stepped out of the room and warned me that I needed to talk to Nate about Valentine’s Day immediately. Of course, I did what any rational teenage girl would do: I panicked.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

As soon as Nate came back, I asked him as calmly as a teenage girl who is sure she’s about ready to be dumped can ask what’s going on. I told him his roommate had said something was up and we needed to talk. I was trying very hard not to cry.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

Well, imagine my surprise when poor, bewildered Nate told me that he was planning to make me dinner as a surprise for me. He had filled his roommate in on the plan. Not only was he planning on doing exactly the same thing for me that I was doing for him, I even found out that he was planning to cook me the very same meal I was planning to cook for him.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

Soulmates. It was one of those moments that showed us just how perfectly in sync we are.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

Every Valentine’s Day we laugh about it. We marvel at our synchronicity even then when we were just beginning. These days, when we talk about that story, we are in awe of the life we have built together since then. We’ve come along way since those early days, and I fall more in love with him each day watching him be an awesome daddy to our 2 year old, listening to him support my endeavors, and hearing all of his corny jokes.Since we’ve been together for so long, Valentine’s Day doesn’t always get the same big fan fare that it did back in those early days but we still celebrate it just the same. We still enjoy cooking romantic dinners like this spicy shrimp scampi or this amazingly delicious crab risotto with asparagus for each other and cooking them at home for awesome home date nights.

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for 2: crab risotto with asparagus

And I take so much pleasure in picking out the perfect card to tell him how much I still love him. I try to pick a card that expresses my feeling. Often I buy him two. This year, the Goose and I went on a shopping day and picked out his cards and goodies together. The cards we selected were from American Greetings. American Greetings has an adorable line of Valentine’s Day cards, gift bags, gift wrap, printables, and stickers perfect for helping you to make Valentine’s Day special. You can find a store that sell American Greetings cards and wrapping here.
For super cute Valentine’s Day printables like the shopping list and decoration, you can check here.

Valentine's Day cards, printables, gift bags, stickers, an tissue paper from American Greetings

Valentine’s Day cards, printables, gift bags, stickers, an tissue paper from American Greetings

 

Valentine's Day cards, printables, gift bags, stickers, an tissue paper from American Greetings

Valentine’s Day cards, printables, gift bags, stickers, an tissue paper from American Greetings

The American Greetings card I chose summed up my feelings quite nicely and Goose, who is in an animal phase, chose a bear card shethought was perfect for Daddy. She also found doggy stickers, which she wanted to ” Doggy on card Dada.” (Translation: put on Dada’s card.)

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

She then panted like a puppy dog for the rest of the shopping trip.

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

I’m glad that Goose helped me pick a card to give to Dada. It’s so important that he feels appreciated from her too. Right now she may be too little to really say the words that would let him know that, but I know she will appreciate him when she’s older.

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

Though we both love her, it’s nice nights when she falls asleep easily and gives us some much needed time alone. Fortunately, the night we celebrated Valentine’s Day part one, she went to bed early. I started cooking up the crab risotto, but throwing it back to our first Valentine’s day, Nate joined. The result? Well truly delicious and worthy of a romantic evening at home.

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

Risotto sounds intimidating but it’s super easy to make. You just need to keep stirring and be patient when adding the liquid. Add a little at a time and let the risotto absorb it as it cooks. This way you get extra creamy risotto that compliments the sweet crab perfectly making for the perfect crab risotto. The white wine and vegetable stock add tons of background flavor. And the hint of garlic isn’t overpowering so it definitely doesn’t kill the romantic vibe.

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

The perfect romantic meal for two: crab risotto with asparagus

Truly a Valentine’s Day meal to remember, complete with the perfect sentiment for the occasion.

Looking for other seafood recipes? Try these:

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Crab Risotto with Asparagus

Crab Risotto with Asparagus
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, seafood
Servings: 2 large servings or 3-4 smaller servings
Author: Seasoned Sprinkles

Ingredients

For the risotto

  • 1 cup of risotto
  • 2 cups of white wine
  • 2 cups of vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 shallot
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 12 ounces of lump crab meat
  • juice of half a lemon
  • 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley to garnish

For the asparagus

  • 1 pound of fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into thirds
  • 1 tbs of olive oil
  • 1 tbs of butter
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 tbs lemon zest
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium pot, heat 1 tbs of olive oil and 1.5 tbs butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced shallot and the crushed garlic for the risotto. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the shallots are slightly soft. Season with salt and pepper. Stir regularly.
  • When the shallots are soft, add the cup of risotto. Stir to coat the risotto with the garlicky oil mixture. Add in a cup of white wine. Stir regularly and let the risotto cook until the first cup of wine is absorbed. Add in the second cup of wine and repeat. When wine is absorbed, pour in first cup of vegetable stock. Cook and stir until absorbed. Repeat with the second cup of stock.
  • When all the stock is absorbed and the risotto is creamy and fluffy, stir in the crab, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat. Drizzle with remaining olive oil. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.

For the asparagus

  • While the risotto is cooking, in a large skillet, heat the butter and oil for the asparagus until the butter melts. Add in the prepared asparagus and crushed garlic. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until the asparagus softens. Finish by sprinkling with lemon zest and serve with risotto.

Nutrition

Serving: 2large servings or 3-4 smaller servings
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  1. […] go on serious food kicks. This month I’m all about risotto. I already made a fab crab risotto, but did I stop there like a normal person? Nope. I had to go make shrimp risotto with garlicky […]

  2. Cute story ๐Ÿ™‚ this looks like a wonderfully indulgent Valentine’s dinner for two!

  3. Yum!! I’m a huge fan of risotto and the addition of crab just makes it better. Love how pretty this plate is! Thanks for sharing.

  4. This sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner! Thanks for sharing your delicious recipe with us!

  5. Erin says:

    A perfect romantic meal for two! Delicious.

  6. Kari says:

    This looks absolutely amazing! I love crab and asparagus. What a great pair!

  7. Amanda says:

    What a beautiful story! I love your tablescape…so romantic. The crab risotto sounds perfect. I love crab and risotto and asparagus. This is a recipe I’ll definitely keep in mind for our Valentine’s Day..

  8. I guess this is a perfect dish this coming Valentine’s Day with my hubby. Thank you for sharing….

  9. This is such a good idea for a valentines date meal. Light yet hearty enough to satisfy you. On the otherhand leftovers can always be turned into rissotto ball and fried!

  10. This would make for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner!

  11. Sane Mama says:

    What a delicious sounding recipe and a perfect romantic setting! Looks like we’ll be doing VDay dinner at home this year (with the kids).

  12. Yummy!! This sounds SO good!!! I can’t wait to try to make it!

    Rachel | The Confused Millennial

  13. Tine says:

    Love your photos! This looks really good, can’t wait to run down to the local fish shop and get some crab meat, I might add some seasonal mushrooms too as they will go well with the asparagus and crab I think

  14. Ali says:

    What a great Valentine’s Day dinner idea! I love the combination of crab and risotto – definitely need to try this!

  15. This sounds like the perfect romantic, Valentine’s Day dinner. So yummy!

  16. Sarah says:

    Oh, my! Saving for Valentine’s day. This looks perfect!

  17. Lindsay says:

    You combined all of my favorite flavors in one dish!! Definitely pinning and making this weekend

  18. Jen Nordine says:

    How cute and special is this?! This dish looks unreal – must try I’m adding to my list! Thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. Crab and asparagus! Two of my favorite things!!

  20. Wow this looks delicious! I have always been scared to try risotto – but my husband loves it! So I may need to surprise him on Valentines day ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for sharing!

  21. Melanie says:

    This dish looks awesome! I definitely need to make this.

  22. Anna says:

    Now this some recipes that I am gonna try. This is perfect for valentine’s day

  23. Amanda says:

    What a great story! So sweet how in sync you are. This risotto sounds heavenly, too! Such a romantic dish.

  24. Rachel says:

    OMG, only the most romantic recipe idea EVER! <3

  25. Rae says:

    This is a wonderful dinner idea for Valentines Day or any other special occasion. Luckily I have tons of frozen crab stashed away. ๐Ÿ™‚

  26. Ooo! This is definitely a romantic dish! Love how you’ve added the crab over the risotto! Great idea – yum!

  27. This looks absolutely delicious! Pinned and sharing! ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. kim says:

    This looks absolutely delicious! I’ll have to show my hubby as he is the cook in our house. Cheers!

  29. Brittany says:

    This looks so yummy and like a perfect romantic place setting! Risotto seems so intimidating, but I think you’ve inspired me to try it again!

  30. Barb says:

    Oh my goodness this looks so delicious! I love crab and risotto and combined make the perfect “special occasion” meal. Thanks for sharing!
    http://www.flashesofdelight.com

  31. Jasmine says:

    This meal looks amazing. My hubby actually made me a risotto for our first Valentine’s Day and served it in the shape of a heart. I love that this is a recipe for two. Will definitely be trying it.

  32. Krista Nile says:

    This looks delicious! It would be perfect for Valentine’s Day!!

  33. Kat says:

    We won’t be able to get a sitter for Valentine’s Day, looks like the perfect meal for me to make us at home. Can’t wait! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Kat | PersianKittyKat.com

  34. Laina Turner says:

    Sounds delicious. Definitely going to try this.

  35. What a sweet story! Love this! And the crab risotto looks so delicious!

  36. Rochelle says:

    I love risotto, crab and asparagus so I’ll definitely be trying this.

  37. I like how you intertwined your love story with pics of the dish that you’re recommending! And crab risotto sounds like a dream!

    I’m really curious though – what was the exact same dish you and Nate were going to cook for each other!!

  38. jehava brown says:

    This looks so great. If I could have crab for every meal I would be thrilled.

  39. When you whip up a recipe you like this, you know it’s a special occasion. This looks super delicious – perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration at home. Thanks for sharing! #client

  40. andrea says:

    Risotto is a dish I have yet to master but I am going to give it another try. Your recipe is the perfect place to start

  41. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says:

    Risotto is one of my favorite comfort foods. However, I’ve never tried it with crab. That’s something to consider next time. ๐Ÿ™‚ Sounds delicious!

  42. Sarah says:

    Wow! This is a beautiful and delicious looking spread. I think I’ve found our Valentine’s Day meal! I can’t wait to make (and eat) this!

  43. Amber says:

    My mouth is watering! This looks absolutely delish!

  44. Susan says:

    My husband LOVES risotto, so I will definitely have to make this for him!! He’s going to be so excited!

  45. Chelsea says:

    Anything risotto is a yes in my book!

    Chelsea || http://www.binkiesandbaubles.com

  46. Ashleigh says:

    Amazing looking crab risotto recipe! My hubs would love this meal any night of the week. Thank you for sharing!

  47. Jeeyoung says:

    This is so so delicious! I love anything seafood and risotto?! Nomnomnom

  48. Dawn says:

    We love risotto and crab. This looks so yummy. I can’t wait to try it,.

  49. Jacki says:

    That looks so good! For my husband and mine first Valentine’s Day I made him risotto! It’s so good and flavorful!

  50. Krysten says:

    What a perfect idea for Valentine’s Day! Or any day for that matter! You seriously made my stomach growl just by reading the post!

  51. candy says:

    Now this looks like a really delicious meal I could make for anytime and we would all enjoy it. Adding it to my list and meal planning.

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