Risotto with Peas and Mushrooms

Risotto with Peas and Mushrooms Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Risotto with peas and mushrooms is a classic Italian dish that is creamy, flavorful, and comforting. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.

History

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the 14th century. It originated in Northern Italy, where rice was a staple crop. The creamy texture of risotto comes from the slow cooking process, which allows the rice to release its starches and create a rich, velvety sauce.

Ingredients

1 cup frozen peas
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tbsp butter or margarine, divided
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 cup uncooked U.S. arborio or medium-grain rice
0.33 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and ground white pepper to taste
0.5 cup heavy cream

How to prepare

Cook peas and mushrooms in 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat for several minutes. Remove vegetables and set aside.
Cook onion in the remaining 1 tbsp of butter until soft.
Add rice and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add wine and stir until absorbed. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in 1 cup of broth.
Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until the broth is absorbed.
Continue stirring and adding the remaining 1 cup of broth and 3 cups of water, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding another, until the rice is tender and the mixture has a creamy consistency. This will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Stir in cheese, seasonings, cream, and the reserved vegetables.
Stir until the mixture is creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different vegetables such as asparagus or spinach.
Try different cheeses like gorgonzola or fontina.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use arborio or medium-grain rice for the best results.

- Stir the risotto constantly to ensure a creamy consistency.

- Use a good quality chicken broth for added flavor.

- Add the cheese and cream at the end of cooking to prevent them from curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the risotto with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect risotto is to stir constantly and add the broth gradually to allow the rice to release its starches and create a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute olive oil for margarine for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and broth ahead of time, but it is best to cook the risotto just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the risotto with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this risotto with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 120mg per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy

Summary

This risotto dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron and calcium.

Summary

Risotto with peas and mushrooms is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Risotto with Peas and Mushrooms. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

As I entered her kitchen, the aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil filled the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a wooden spoon, inviting me to join her in the cooking process. She explained that risotto was one of her favorite dishes to make, and she was excited to share her recipe with me.

Maria started by sautéing the mushrooms in a skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. The sound of the mushrooms sizzling in the pan was music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish. Next, she added the Arborio rice to the skillet and stirred it until it was coated in the flavorful mushroom juices.

As Maria poured in the white wine and vegetable broth, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. She explained that the key to a perfect risotto was to stir constantly and add the broth a little at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid slowly.

As we continued to cook, Maria shared stories of how she learned to make risotto from her grandmother in Italy. She explained that risotto was a traditional dish in her family, and each generation passed down their own version of the recipe. I was fascinated by her stories and felt honored to be learning such a cherished recipe from her.

After the rice had cooked to a creamy consistency, Maria added the peas and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring them into the risotto until they were well incorporated. The vibrant green peas added a pop of color to the dish, and the Parmesan cheese melted into the rice, adding a rich and savory flavor.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria poured us each a glass of white wine and raised her glass in a toast. She thanked me for being such a wonderful friend and for always sharing in her love of cooking. I felt a warm sense of gratitude for her friendship and for the delicious meal we were about to enjoy together.

With each bite of the creamy risotto, I savored the flavors of the mushrooms, peas, and cheese. The dish was a perfect balance of creamy and savory, with each ingredient complementing the others perfectly. I couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a delicious and comforting dish, and I knew it would become a staple in my own recipe collection.

As I finished my meal, I thanked Maria for sharing her recipe with me and for allowing me to experience the joy of cooking alongside her. The memories of that day would stay with me forever, and I would always treasure the time spent in Maria's kitchen, learning the art of making risotto with peas and mushrooms.