Summer Vegetable and Lemon Risotto

This risotto was delicious! The combination of the summer vegetables with the lemon and dill made for a really refreshing side dish. The cheese added a creamy consistency, and the wine gave it a little bit of tartness that complimented the lemon and dill nicely. 

8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 (8-ounce) zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons olive oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add zucchini to pan; cook for 7 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Bring vegetable broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Keep warm over low heat.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, and cook for 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in rice, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine; cook until liquid is absorbed (about 30 seconds), stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Reserve 1/4 cup broth.

Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 22 minutes total). Stir in vegetables; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in reserved 1/4 cup broth and remaining ingredients.