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Creamy Spring Pea Risotto Recipe to Make at Home

The first time I ate pea risotto was in Italy. I remember how bright green and incredibly tasty this dish was. When I arrived home it was the first meal I described to Bruce. He made it the next weekend. And we have been making it ever since. Serve it topped with scallops or shrimp. Enjoy!

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Pea & Spinach Puree Ingredients:

  1. Fresh or Frozen Peas: Peas are the star ingredient in this dish, providing sweetness, texture, and vibrant green color to the risotto. They add a burst of freshness and flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
  2. Fresh Spinach: Spinach contributes to the vibrant green color of the puree while also adding a subtle earthy flavor. It increases the nutritional value of the dish, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
  3. Salt and Pepper: Seasonings like salt and pepper help to balance and enhance the flavors of the peas and spinach puree, ensuring that the risotto is well-seasoned and delicious.
  4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and depth to the puree while also providing a smooth texture. It helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.
  5. Vegetable Stock: Vegetable stock is used to thin down the puree if needed. It adds depth of flavor and richness to the puree without overpowering the delicate flavors of the peas and spinach.

Pea Risotto Ingredients:

  1. Vegetable Stock: Stock forms the base of the risotto, providing liquid for cooking the rice and infusing it with flavor. It adds richness and depth to the dish while also helping to create a creamy texture.
  2. Arborio Rice: Arborio rice is a short-grain rice variety known for its high starch content, which is essential for creating a creamy risotto texture. It absorbs liquid slowly, releasing starch gradually and resulting in a velvety consistency.
  3. Shallots: Shallots add a mild onion flavor to the risotto, providing depth and complexity to the dish. Their delicate flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the peas and spinach puree.
  4. Garlic: Grated garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the risotto, enhancing its overall taste profile. It complements the sweetness of the peas and spinach puree while also providing aromatic depth.
  5. White Wine: White wine adds acidity and brightness to the risotto, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. It also contributes to the complexity of flavors, infusing the dish with a subtle fruity aroma.
  6. Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the risotto, giving it a luxurious texture and flavor. It helps to bind the ingredients together while also enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
  7. Half & Half: Half & half adds creaminess to the risotto, further enhancing its texture and richness. It adds a subtle dairy flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
  8. Grated Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds nuttiness and umami flavor to the risotto, enhancing its overall depth of flavor. It also contributes to the creaminess of the dish while providing a salty, savory contrast to the sweetness of the peas and spinach puree.

What is the origin of Risotto?

Risotto, a traditional Italian dish, originated in the 14th century in Northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. The introduction of rice to the Po Valley, with its ideal conditions for cultivation, led to the development of this iconic dish. Risotto is prepared by cooking rice slowly in broth, releasing starch to create a creamy texture. Over time, it has evolved with various regional and seasonal variations, making it a beloved and versatile dish enjoyed worldwide.

Why we think it is worth the price to use Arborio Rice for Risotto:

Using arborio rice in risotto can be worth the price for those who appreciate and value the unique qualities it brings to the dish. Arborio rice’s high starch content, plump grains, and ability to release starch slowly during cooking contribute to the desired creamy texture and rich flavor of risotto. The superior texture and ability to absorb flavors make it a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike. While it may be more expensive than regular rice, many people find that the results justify the investment for a special and authentic risotto experience. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference, budget, and the importance placed on achieving the traditional qualities of a well-made risotto.

Instructions

PUREE PREPERATION:

  • Reserve 1/2 cup of peas to cook for 5 minutes as garnish, right before serving.
  • Add 1 1/2 peas to a pot of salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove peas and shock in cold water with ice to stop the cooking and keep bright green. Pat the Peas dry with paper towels.
  • Add Peas, a few handfuls of fresh spinach to blender. Measure in oil,  salt & pepper, and blend, adding broth if too thick.

RISOTTO PREPARATION:

  • Sauté shallots & garlic in 4 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Grind 6 or 7 grinds of fresh black pepper over mixture.
  • Stir in the arborio rice, stirring to toast the rice. This will take a few minutes.
  • Add wine, and scrape pan. Slowly add in warmed broth one cup at a time, stirring as needed
  • Continue to stir in broth until a creamy consistency, about 25 minutes.
  • Stir in 4 tablespoons butter, till melted. Add parmesan cheese, stirring to incorporate.
  • Stir in pea puree, and taste for seasoning
  • Cook reserved peas for 5 minutes for garnish
  • Stir in half and half. Keep at low heat.
  • Serve risotto in a bowl or on a plate, add cooked peas over the top.

pea risotto on a plate with scallops and asparagus

Pea Risotto

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: entree
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pea risotto, risotto
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 540kcal
Author: Bruce and Dina Miller

Ingredients

PEA & SPINACH PUREE INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 teaspoons vegetable stock if needed to thin down

RISOTTO INGREDIENTS:

  • 5 Cups Chicken or Vegetable stock
  • 2 Cups Arborio Rice
  • 3 Medium Shallots finally diced
  • 5 cloves of garlic grated
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 8 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1/2 cup half & half
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

PUREE PREPERATION:

  • Reserve 1/2 cup of peas to cook for 5 minutes as garnish, right before serving.
  • Add 1 1/2 peas to a pot of salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove peas and shock in cold water with ice to stop the cooking and keep bright green. Pat the Peas dry with paper towels.
  • Add Peas, a few handfuls of fresh spinach to blender. Measure in oil,  salt & pepper, and blend, adding broth if too thick.

RISOTTO PREPARATION:

  • Sauté shallots & garlic in 4 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Grind 6 or 7 grinds of fresh black pepper over mixture.
  • Stir in the arborio rice, stirring to toast the rice. This will take a few minutes.
  • Add wine, and scrape pan. Slowly add in warmed broth one cup at a time, stirring as needed
  • Continue to stir in broth until a creamy consistency, about 25 minutes.
  • Stir in 4 tablespoons butter, till melted. Add parmesan cheese, stirring to incorporate.
  • Stir in pea puree, and taste for seasoning
  • Cook reserved peas for 5 minutes for garnish
  • Stir in half and half. Keep at low heat.
  • Serve risotto in a bowl or on a plate, add cooked peas over the top.

Notes

Serve with grilled shrimp, chicken, or seared scallops for a complete meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1078mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1870IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Other Risotto’s to try!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Dina and Bruce at the Golden Gate Bridgetheperksofbeingus says

      Awe, thanks, cuz! We are having fun here, and blog is only just starting! We have been so busy at the house! How are you and that sweet grand baby?

      Reply

  13. Ned says

    5 stars
    This Pea Risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The combination of fresh peas and perfectly cooked risotto makes it a standout recipe for any occasion.

    Reply

  14. Adri says

    5 stars
    I used frozen peas and the risotto turned out perfectly! It’s the ultimate dish for Spring, but I find it just as comforting in the middle of Winter. The bright green colour just lifts my spirit instantly!

    Reply

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