Risotto con Piselli: A Step-by-Step Guide
Risotto con Piselli
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (for cheese, if using)
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth preferably low-sodium
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- In a saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. It should be warm but not boiling. This will help the risotto cook evenly.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Toast the Rice
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the grains in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, until it becomes slightly translucent.
- Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
- If using, pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice. This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Step 5: Add the Broth Gradually
- Start adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, to the rice. Stir constantly and wait until the liquid is almost fully absorbed before adding the next ladle. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
- Step 6: Add the Peas
- When you have about 5 minutes left of cooking time, stir in the peas. Continue to add broth and stir until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Butter
- Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Let It Stand
- Let the risotto stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Step 9: Serve
- Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.
- Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
Risotto is one of those iconic Italian dishes that embodies comfort and sophistication. Risotto con Piselli, or Pea Risotto, is a delightful springtime dish that showcases sweet green peas and creamy Arborio rice. From my own personal experience, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home. Let me show you how I make this delightful risotto, and soon you’ll be serving it up like a pro.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Risotto con Piselli, you can expect a creamy, comforting dish with a hint of sweetness from the peas. The richness of the cheese, paired with the fresh flavors of the herbs, creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Cost of Ingredients: $10 – $15 (depending on seasonal availability)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish or Side Dish
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater (for cheese, if using)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Piselli now.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint or basil for garnish (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Piselli now.
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- In a saucepan, heat the broth over low heat. It should be warm but not boiling. This will help the risotto cook evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the grains in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, until it becomes slightly translucent.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
- If using, pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice. This adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 5: Add the Broth Gradually
- Start adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, to the rice. Stir constantly and wait until the liquid is almost fully absorbed before adding the next ladle. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Peas
- When you have about 5 minutes left of cooking time, stir in the peas. Continue to add broth and stir until the rice is creamy and al dente.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Butter
- Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Let It Stand
- Let the risotto stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 9: Serve
- Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.
Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Piselli now.
Tips
- Stirring the risotto helps release the starches from the rice, giving it that creamy texture.
- Don’t rush the process; allowing the rice to absorb the broth slowly is key to achieving the right consistency.
- If the risotto gets too thick, you can add a little more broth to loosen it.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Arborio rice is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
I hope this guide has made making Risotto con Piselli seem a little less daunting! Have you tried making this dish before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>