Rome's Hotel Hassler Michelin-Starred Restaurant Reveals Signature Recipe

Rome's Hotel Hassler Michelin-Starred Restaurant Reveals Signature Recipe
Risotto with Asparagus and Pink Sparkling Wine Peppery Mussels

Ingredients:

4 1/3 cups Vialone Nano rice
6 1/2 tablespoons shallots
1 clove garlic
2 pounds mussels
1 bunch of asparagus
1 3/4 cups pink sparkling wine
6 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese
Wild fennel
Salt, pepper and extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation:

Clean the mussels and steam in a lidded pot with garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, 1/4 cup of sparkling pink wine and a generous amount of pepper. As soon as they open, drain and filter the cooking liquid, keeping it to be used later.

Blanch the asparagus in salted water and then cool down immediately in water with ice. Cut and keep the tips of the asparagus aside (reserve for garnish). Cut half of the asparagus stalks into small pieces. Puree the other half in a blender.

Chop the shallots and brown in a pan with half of the butter and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Once wilted, add the rice and toast it with the remaining sparkling wine. Continue to cook, slowly adding the reserved mussel cooking liquid along with an equal amount of water. When the rice is half-way done (when half of the liquid has been absorbed), add the chopped asparagus. When the rice is almost done, add the asparagus puree and soon after the mussels (previously shelled). Remove the rice from heat and let stand for two minutes.

Add the remaining butter, grated pecorino cheese and minced wild fennel.

Sauté asparagus tips with oil, salt and a light sprinkle of pepper. Place over the risotto.

Buon Appetito!

With arguably the best panoramic view of the Eternal City, the Hotel Hassler Roma's rooftop restaurant Imàgo underwent a multi-million dollar redesign (the first since the original Rooftop Restaurant opened more than 50 years ago) in December 2006, and was awarded its first Michelin star in November 2008. Headed by Chef Francesco Apreda, whose international training includes five years both in Japan and London, Imàgo's cuisine is an artful combination of traditional Italian ingredients and flavors with creative and innovative preparations. The décor follows suit, blending modern and classic styles with pale grays and deep reds and custom-designed mirror tables that mesh beautifully with traditional touches of white marble flooring and antique-wood inlay. Menus vary according to season, and Chef Apreda's inspiration.

Hotel Profile: Hotel Hassler Roma