Risotto with Green Peas

2013-07-13
  • Servings : 4
  • Prep Time : 10m
  • Cook Time : 30m
  • Ready In : 45m
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Nutritional Info

This information is per serving.

  • Calories

    515
  • Calories from Fat

    155
  • Total Fat

    17g
  • Saturated Fat

    8g
  • Trans Fat

    0g
  • Cholesterol

    30mg
  • Sodium

    335mg
  • Carbohydrates

    73g
  • Dietary Fiber

    4g
  • Sugar

    5g
  • Protein

    17g
  • Serving Size:

    14 oz. (400g)

Risotto originated in northern Italy and is now popular throughout Italy. Made using short grain arborio rice, it has a creamy texture unlike any other rice recipe without the need for cream or any other sauce.

Risotto is rarely offered on the menu of most Italian-American restaurants. Unlike pasta that can be precooked and reheated when needed, risotto is best eaten immediately. You an refrigerate leftover risotto, but the texture deteriorates as the rice continues to absorb moisture and break up.

Risotto with green peas is just one of hundreds of variations of risotto you can make using any of a few simply vegetables.

Arborio rice is now available at most grocers. It produces the best quality risotto. Long grain rice can be substituted, but it doesn’t produce the same creamy texture. Never use quick cooking rice for risotto. You need the starch released from the rice during cooking to make creamy risotto.

To make a cheese risotto, omit the peas.

Cook’s Tip

  • Risotto is made with a 1/2 cup of cheese or more. Added salt usually is not necessary when using Romano cheese. Romano cheese is made using more salt than Parmesan cheese.
  • Constant stirring is required to prevent the rice from sticking and scorching. Using a heavy bottom stainless steel pan will help distribute the heat and prevent sticking.

 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 cup (150 g) onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups (960 ml) low sodium vegetable or chicken stock (broth)
  • 1 1/2 cup (300 g) arborio rice, rinsed
  • 2/3 cup (180 ml) dry white wine
  • 2 cups (250 g) frozen green peas
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Kosher salt or to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 2/3 cup (70 g) grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh Italian parsley, minced (optional)

Method of Preparation

Step 1

Heat stock in a pan over medium high heat until it simmers or in your microwave oven. Boiling isn't necessary.

Step 2

In a heavy 3 qt/l sauce pan over medium heat, heat oil and melt butter. Add onions and cook stirring often about 3 minutes or until onion begins to soften.

Step 3

Add the rice and cook stirring constantly 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and cook until wine is absorbed. Reduce heat to medium low or low.

Step 4

Begin adding stock about 1 cup at a time and cook stirring constantly until stock is completely absorbed.

Step 5

Add 2nd cup of stock and cook stirring constantly. Repeat with 3rd cup.

Step 6

Add peas before adding the 3rd or final cup of stock to retain color and prevent over cooking.

Step 7

Rice should be al dente in about 20 to 25 minutes. If rice is still firm after absorbing the last cup of stock add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of hot water and cook, stirring, until the water is absorbed and the rice is al dente. repeat if necessary until you achieve the desired texture.

Step 8

Remove pan from heat and stir in parsley, if desired, and cheese or add cheese at the table.