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