Three-Grain Risotto with Asparagus Spears

Ingredients

• 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots (about 2 medium)
• 1/2 cup uncooked Arborio or other short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
• 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup 1% low-fat milk
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 12 asparagus spears, steamed
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted

Preparation

1. Bring saffron and broth to a simmer in a small saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots; sauté 3 minutes. Add rice, barley, and quinoa; sauté 2 minutes. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed. Stir in 1 cup water; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total).
3. Remove from heat; stir in cheese and next 4 ingredients (cheese through pepper). Top with asparagus spears, and sprinkle with pine nuts.