Creamy Pea and Ham Risotto Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Classic

Crafting a comforting pea and ham risotto reveals culinary magic that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.

Creamy rice studded with sweet green gems creates an irresistible canvas for savory ham pieces.

Italian tradition meets home cooking in this delightful dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Arborio rice slowly absorbs rich broth, releasing starch and developing incredible depth of flavor.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, transforming simple components into something extraordinary.

Kitchen skills matter less than passion when preparing this forgiving recipe.

Come experience how a few quality ingredients can produce pure deliciousness that makes everyone smile.

Why You’ll Love Nigella Pea and Ham Risotto

• Craft Comfort: A heartwarming dish that brings together rich ham and creamy rice in one delightful meal perfect for cozy dinners.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn to create a restaurant-quality risotto with simple techniques that build confidence in the kitchen and impress family and friends.
• Flexible Family Feast: Easily adaptable recipe that welcomes variations like swapping proteins or using different herbs, making it a versatile go-to meal for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Smart Ingredient Transformation: Turn basic pantry staples into a luxurious, restaurant-style dish that feels sophisticated yet incredibly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

What Goes Into Nigella Pea and Ham Risotto

• Arborio Rice: A creamy Italian short-grain rice perfect for creating a smooth and rich risotto texture.
• Ham: Adds a smoky and savory protein element to the dish.
• Peas: Provides a sweet and bright green color to the risotto.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the base liquid for cooking and flavoring the risotto.
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Leek, Garlic: Provide a mild onion and aromatic base for the risotto.
• Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute richness and a creamy, salty finish to the dish.
• Lemon Zest, Fresh Mint: Offer a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the entire flavor of the risotto.

Cooking Instructions for Nigella Pea and Ham Risotto

Step 1: Warm Up The Broth

In a saucepan, gently heat the broth with garlic, keeping it warm and ready for the risotto. The warmth ensures smooth and consistent cooking later.

Step 2: Sauté The Leeks

Melt butter in a large pot and cook leeks until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, mild flavor into the base of the risotto.

Step 3: Toast The Rice

Add rice to the leeks and toast it for a few minutes. This crucial step helps the rice develop a nutty aroma and creates a protective coating that will help it absorb liquid perfectly.

Step 4: Splash In The Wine

Pour in white wine and let it simmer until completely absorbed. The wine adds depth and a subtle complexity to the risotto’s flavor profile.

Step 5: Begin Broth Infusion

Start adding hot broth one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding more, which helps create the creamy texture risotto is famous for.

Step 6: Continue Cooking

Keep adding broth and stirring, allowing the rice to gradually release its starches. This process creates the signature creamy consistency of a perfect risotto.

Step 7: Incorporate Final Ingredients

Stir in frozen peas, diced ham, grated cheese, and remaining butter. These ingredients add layers of flavor, texture, and richness to the dish.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If the risotto seems too thick, add a bit more broth. Taste and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Finish the risotto with fresh lemon zest, chopped mint, and an extra sprinkle of cheese. These final touches add brightness and a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.

Tips for the Creamiest Pea and Ham Risotto

• Boost Risotto Creaminess: Use starchy Arborio rice and stir constantly to release natural starches, creating a luxurious texture.
• Prevent Rice Burning: Maintain medium-low heat and stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté leeks and toast rice before adding liquid to develop rich, nutty undertones.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ham with pancetta, chicken, or make vegetarian by using smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms.
• Perfect Broth Temperature: Keep broth simmering warm throughout cooking to maintain consistent rice absorption and temperature.

Delicious Variations on Nigella Pea and Ham Risotto

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ham with roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu for a plant-based protein option.
• Seafood Swap: Substitute ham with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a marine-inspired risotto experience.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use certified gluten-free rice and ensure broth is gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Replace ham with lean chicken, use low-sodium broth, and reduce added salt for a heart-healthy version.

What to Serve with Pea and Ham Risotto

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy risotto and cut through its buttery texture.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty ham and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy rice.
• Match Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious risotto sauce and add a crunchy textural element to the meal.
• Add Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh mint and chives alongside the dish to enhance the herb notes and bring a bright, clean flavor to the comforting risotto.

How to Store Nigella Pea and Ham Risotto

• Store leftover risotto in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled risotto to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if containing fresh herbs.
• Warm gently in a pan with splash of broth or water. Stir constantly to restore creamy texture. Heat until steaming hot.
• Add small amount of liquid, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying out.

Nigella Pea and Ham Risotto FAQs

• What is the key to making a creamy risotto?

The secret is constant stirring and adding broth gradually, which releases the rice’s starches and creates a smooth, rich texture.

• Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly and are just as delicious as fresh peas in this risotto.

• Which rice type is best for risotto?

Arborio rice is ideal because it has high starch content that helps create the signature creamy consistency of risotto.

• How do I know when the risotto is perfectly cooked?

The rice should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente), and the dish should be creamy and flow slightly when spooned onto a plate.

Pea And Ham Risotto Recipe

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• Total Time: 60-76 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy pea and ham risotto brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending hearty flavors with elegant simplicity. Rich arborio rice mingles with sweet peas and savory ham, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Starches:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) thickly sliced deli ham, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (thawed if frozen)

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 6 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 large leek (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced and rinsed well
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese (about 1 ounce)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• Chopped fresh mint, for topping

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Instructions

1. Warm the broth with garlic in a saucepan, maintaining a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
2. In a large pot, melt butter and sauté leeks until softened and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add rice to the pot, stirring continuously to toast the grains and develop a nutty aroma for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in wine, allowing it to be completely absorbed by the rice while stirring gently.
5. Gradually incorporate the first batch of hot broth, stirring consistently and letting the rice slowly absorb the liquid over 8-10 minutes.
6. Continue adding the remaining broth in increments, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more, about 12-14 minutes.
7. When rice reaches a creamy consistency, fold in peas, diced ham, grated cheese, and remaining butter, creating a rich and luxurious texture.
8. Adjust the risotto’s consistency by adding extra broth if needed, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
9. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh lemon zest, chopped mint leaves, and an extra sprinkle of cheese for a bright, aromatic presentation.

Notes

• Swap Arborio rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Ensure constant stirring during broth addition to develop risotto’s signature creamy consistency without becoming gluey.
• Replace ham with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms to create a vegetarian alternative that preserves the dish’s rich, savory essence.
• Use homemade chicken or vegetable stock for deeper, more complex flavor compared to store-bought versions.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes (simmer broth and garlic; melt butter)
• Cook Time: 58–74 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 293 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 527 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg