Green Farro Risotto (with Frozen Peas)

Instructions

1. Set a medium pot over moderately low heat. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil, leeks, and a pinch of salt. Stir, cover, and cook until the leeks are translucent, 5-10 min. Uncover, and continue to cook stirring occasionally until the leeks are starting to turn golden brown, 5-10 min. Remove half of the leeks from the pot and reserve for the sauce.
2. Add the farro and water to the pot. Salt to taste. Stir, cover, and cook on high until the steam starts to escape from the lid (watch carefully). Drop the heat to low and cook until almost tender, about 30 min.
3. While the Ferro is cooking, make the pea sauce. Add enough cream and water to the peas to barely cover them. Put in the microwave until very warm (or heat in a pot). Dump the pea mixture into the blender. Add the reserved leaks, lemon zest and juice, and salt. Puree until perfectly smooth.
4. Add the butter and pea sauce to the farro. Bring to a simmer and take off the heat. Taste and add more salt, lemon juice, and butter as needed. Cover and let rest for 10 min while making the topping.
5. Set a large skillet over high heat. Add the oil and butter. When the oil is hot, add asparagus and cook without disturbing until starting to turn golden on the bottom. Stir and let brown again. When all the asparagus is bright emerald green with a few brown spots, take the pan off the heat. Season with salt and lemon juice.
6. Put risotto on plates, top with asparagus and any green herbs (scallions, chives, dill, parsley, mint, etc).