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Creamy Spring Pea Risotto with Lemon and Mint

creamy spring pea risotto - featured image
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A creamy, bright risotto featuring fresh peas, zesty lemon, and refreshing mint, perfect for light spring dinners or brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (about 200g) arborio rice
  • 1½ cups (about 225g) fresh or frozen peas
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken stock, kept warm
  • 3 tablespoons (about 45g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • About 10 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (about 45g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the stock in a saucepan and keep it at a low simmer.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without browning.
  4. Add arborio rice and stir continuously for 2 minutes until edges are translucent.
  5. Add about ½ cup of hot stock and stir gently until mostly absorbed.
  6. Continue adding stock in ½ cup increments, stirring often, until rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-25 minutes.
  7. About 5 minutes before finishing, stir in peas (blanch fresh peas first; thaw frozen peas).
  8. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  10. Cover loosely and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use hot stock to maintain even cooking and creamy texture. Stir frequently but gently to coax out starches. Add peas near the end to keep their color and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for best flavor. For vegan option, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: risotto, spring peas, lemon, mint, creamy risotto, easy dinner, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/creamy-spring-pea-risotto-recipe-easy-homemade-lemon-mint-flavor/