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Creamy Fresh Pea Risotto

Creamy Fresh Pea Risotto
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Creamy Fresh Pea Risotto is a comforting and vibrant dinner dish featuring velvety Arborio rice cooked slowly in broth with sweet peas. Enhanced with parmesan cheese and subtle aromatics, this recipe boasts a creamy texture and fresh flavors, perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
  • 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
  • Mushrooms, sautéed (for variation)
  • Lemon zest (for brightness)
  • Cream or mascarpone (to increase creaminess)
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta (for protein boost)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion or shallots and have the broth warmed and ready to add gradually.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent to develop a sweet, mellow flavor.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir for about 2 minutes to lightly toast each grain, aiding in slow and even liquid absorption.
  4. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir constantly until it is nearly fully absorbed, adding mild acidity to balance the dish.
  5. Gradually Add Broth: Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This slow process releases starch for creaminess.
  6. Add the Peas: When the rice is nearly tender, about 15 minutes into cooking, stir in fresh peas. If using frozen peas, add slightly earlier so they thaw and cook through.
  7. Finish with Cheese and Butter: Once the risotto is creamy and the rice has a slight bite, remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a final pat of butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use warm broth to ensure even cooking and smooth texture.
  • Stir gently but often to release starch without breaking the rice grains.
  • Do not rush broth additions; slow absorption is key to perfect risotto texture.
  • Add Parmesan cheese at the end to maximize flavor and smooth melting.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Nutrition

Keywords: risotto, peas, creamy, easy dinner, Italian, vegetarian option, one pot meal, comforting dinner

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/creamy-fresh-pea-risotto/