Ingredients
Method
- Heat the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over low heat and keep it warm throughout the cooking process. This ensures the rice cooks evenly.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted and coated with the oil. The edges should become slightly translucent.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until completely absorbed. Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender but still has a slight bite.
- When the rice is almost done, stir in the peas and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peas are tender and heated through.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir vigorously to create a creamy consistency.
- Serve the risotto immediately in warm bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
For the creamiest risotto, stir frequently but not constantly - this releases the starches gradually. The finished risotto should flow slowly when spooned onto a plate, not be stiff or soupy. Fresh peas are best when in season, but frozen peas work beautifully and are often sweeter since they're frozen at peak freshness.
