Spring Pea Risotto (Printable)
Creamy Arborio rice with tender sweet peas, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese
# What You Need:
→ 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)
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring the vegetable broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan and keep it warm over low heat throughout the cooking process.
02 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent and softened.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
04 - Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the grains, which helps maintain texture during cooking.
05 - Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring continuously, until the liquid is nearly absorbed by the rice.
06 - Add a ladleful (about 1/2 cup) of warm broth to the rice, stirring gently. Allow the liquid to absorb completely before adding the next ladleful.
07 - Maintain the process of adding broth one ladle at a time, stirring often to release starch, for 18–20 minutes total or until the rice is creamy and tender but still retains a slight bite (al dente).
08 - When approximately 5 minutes of cooking time remains, add the spring peas to the risotto and continue cooking until tender.
09 - Remove from heat once the rice is cooked and peas are tender. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint (if using), and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10 - Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of sweet peas and fresh herbs makes everything taste like spring, no matter what month it is
- Once you master the rhythm of adding broth, this becomes one of those meditative recipes that feels like self care
02 -
- Adding cold broth can halt the cooking process and make the rice texture uneven
- Stirring too vigorously breaks the rice grains, but not stirring enough makes it stick
03 -
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre grated, the texture difference is remarkable
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily at the end for that restaurant quality finish