Description
A creamy and delicious Fresh Pea Risotto made with tender Arborio rice, sweet fresh peas, and a rich blend of Parmesan cheese, butter, and lemon zest for a perfect balance of flavors. This easy-to-make risotto is cooked on the stovetop with warm vegetable broth, making it a comforting yet elegant vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Risotto Base
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Add-ins & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Warm the broth: Heat the vegetable broth in a saucepan over low heat to keep it warm throughout the cooking process, which helps the rice cook evenly.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release its flavor without burning.
- Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the grains become slightly translucent, which helps to release starch for a creamy risotto.
- Cook with broth: Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladleful. This gradual process allows the rice to absorb the broth slowly for perfect texture.
- Add peas: Approximately halfway through the cooking time (about 10 minutes in), stir in the fresh peas so they cook gently with the rice, preserving their bright flavor and color.
- Finish cooking: Continue adding broth gradually and stirring until the rice is al dente, tender but with a slight bite, typically within 18 to 20 minutes total cooking time.
- Enrich and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the risotto is silky and creamy. Plate immediately and garnish with lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use warm broth to ensure even cooking and maintain the temperature of the risotto.
- Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking and to release starch for creaminess.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust salt at the end as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- You can substitute fresh peas with frozen peas if fresh are not available; add them frozen at the same time during cooking.
- For a vegan version, omit butter and Parmesan or substitute with vegan alternatives.
