Spring Pea Risotto (Printable)
Vibrant Italian Arborio rice with sweet peas, fresh herbs, and Parmesan creates this creamy, satisfying dish.
# What's Needed:
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen spring peas
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
→ Rice & Broth
06 - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
07 - 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
→ Dairy
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
→ Wine & Oil
10 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Seasoning
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring the vegetable broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan and maintain over low heat throughout cooking.
02 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains until edges appear translucent.
04 - Pour in dry white wine and continue stirring until nearly absorbed, about 1–2 minutes.
05 - Add warm broth one ladleful at a time (approximately 1/2 cup), stirring frequently. Wait until liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Continue this process for 18–20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
06 - When approximately 5 minutes of cooking remain, add the spring peas to the risotto and continue the broth addition process.
07 - Remove from heat once rice is cooked and peas are tender. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint (if using), and lemon zest. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Plate the risotto while hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- The sweetness of fresh peas cuts through the rich creaminess, creating perfect balance in every bite
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day cooking something special
02 -
- Warm broth is non negotiable cold broth stops the cooking process and makes the rice texture uneven
- Stirring frequently releases starch, but constant vigorous stirring breaks the grains gentle is better
03 -
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre grated it melts better and tastes fresher
- Let the risotto rest for 2 minutes off the heat before serving to let the flavors meld