Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy risotto with peas recipe is the perfect answer for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's sure to impress your family and friends, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated. This easy recipe focuses on fresh, vibrant flavors, making it one of the best recipes for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups hot vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
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Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the grains are lightly toasted and translucent around the edges. Toasting the rice is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture.
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Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until it's almost completely absorbed by the rice. This simple step adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
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Add broth gradually: Add one cup of hot broth to the rice, stirring continuously until it's absorbed. Continue adding the broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 20-25 minutes.
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Stir in peas and cheese: Once the rice is creamy and al dente (tender but with a slight bite), stir in the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the cheese is melted.
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Finish with butter: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and garnish: Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Risotto:
- Use good quality broth: The flavor of your broth will significantly impact the final taste of your risotto. Homemade broth is ideal, but a good quality store-bought broth works well too.
- Don't rinse the rice: Rinsing Arborio rice removes the starch, which is essential for creating the creamy texture of the risotto.
- Stir constantly: Consistent stirring is key to preventing the rice from sticking and achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Adjust the liquid: Depending on the type of rice and the heat of your stove, you may need slightly more or less broth. The rice should be cooked through but still have a slight bite.
Variations:
- Lemon Risotto: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon along with the peas.
- Mushroom Risotto: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist.
- Asparagus Risotto: Substitute asparagus for the peas for a spring-inspired dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 15-20g
This homemade risotto is a simple, yet impressive dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors! It's one of those delicious dishes that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and discover a new favorite in your healthy meals repertoire.