As far as I’m concerned, risotto is a quintessential comfort food, whether in its simplest form or specially seasoned. This recipe includes peas for extra fiber + protein and peppers for fiber + vitamin c, making a cozy, yet filling, composite meal.
Some wonderful Italian restaurants and talented home cooks serve risotto seasoned with saffron, which imparts a vibrantly Mediterranean flair. While traveling throughout Italy, I savored saffron risotto and sampled a spectacular saffron gelato at a small gelateria! Saffron can be pricey in North America, but I recommend trying a pinch in this recipe if possible.
EASY PEAS-Y RISOTTO
Prep:
5 min
Cook:
35 min
Total:
40 min
Makes 5 servings, each a little under 1.25 heaping cups in volume.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large bell pepper (best if red, but orange or yellow work well)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1⁄3 cup dry white or rosé wine
- roughly 3.5 cups hot vegetable stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
[Optional]
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads
- ½ large yellow onion (if using, pair with a small-medium bell pepper).
- Cheese: grated parmesan/grana padano/pecorino romano (around 3 tablespoons)
- 2.5 tbsp butter/butter alternative**
**Miyoko’s makes my favorite vegan butter alternative that is good for spreading, baking, and does not include palm oil.
STEP BY STEP:
Easily yields a filling dinner for two with plenty of leftovers, or a creamy side if you want to pair it with a lean entrée. It pairs nicely with salmon, lemon chicken, rapini or salad, a dry white/rosé wine, or a sparkling water with citrus.
NUTRITION FACTS
Number of Servings: 5
Fiber: 3.5 g
Carbs: 39.2 g
Calories per Serving: 336 kcal
Sugar: 3.9 g
Protein: 6.8 g
Weight per Serving: 273 g
Fats: 16.4 g
Iron: 1.1 mg
All servings and nutritional measurements are approximate. These estimates are intended for information and guidance purposes only. Please consult a licensed nutrition or medical professional if you need assistance.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Disclaimer: All of the ingredients listed in this recipe are available in gluten-free and vegan versions. Please do your research and verify ingredient lists, as many products can have surprisingly hidden amounts of gluten that can impact those with Celiac Disease and gluten allergies. Likewise, vegans may need to verify if products contain hidden amounts of whey or animal derived ingredients.
