Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pea and Mint Risotto is a classic Italian-inspired dish made with Arborio rice, fresh peas, and mint. The creamy risotto is delicately flavored with the freshness of mint and the natural sweetness of peas, resulting in a beautifully balanced meal. It’s both hearty and refreshing, making it a versatile dish suitable for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice (300g): A short-grain rice that creates a creamy risotto.
- Frozen or fresh peas (250g): Adds natural sweetness to the dish.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter): The base liquid for cooking the rice and adding flavor.
- Dry white wine (100ml): Enhances the flavor of the risotto and adds depth.
- Butter (50g): For richness and a smooth texture.
- Parmesan cheese (50g, grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Fresh mint (a handful, finely chopped): Brings a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the onions.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the risotto base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds flavor and aroma.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the base
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Toast the rice
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains in the oil and onions.
- Toasting the rice helps release its starch, which creates a creamy texture.
Step 3: Add the wine
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice.
- The wine adds depth of flavor to the risotto.
Step 4: Gradually add the stock
- Begin adding the vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously.
- Allow each ladleful of stock to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the peas
- While the risotto is cooking, blanch the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if using fresh peas, or simply thaw frozen peas.
- Set aside half of the peas and mash the other half with a fork or blend them into a puree to stir into the risotto later.
Step 6: Stir in the peas and mint
- Once the risotto is creamy and the rice is tender but with a slight bite, stir in the whole peas and the mashed or pureed peas.
- Add the chopped mint and mix well to combine.
Step 7: Finish with butter and Parmesan
- Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto is creamy and glossy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve the risotto hot, garnished with a few extra mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.