She Strengthens

Creamy Risotto with Pea Purée: A Masterclass in Texture and Flavor

The Perfect Canvas for a Delicious Meal

Imagine a dish that combines the comforting creaminess of risotto with the vibrant freshness of peas. This recipe is a game-changer, featuring a velvety risotto infused with a pea purée that adds a delightful textural element to each bite.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including Arborio rice, homemade chicken stock, and high-quality Parmesan cheese. The Arborio rice is essential, as it provides the necessary creaminess to the dish. Meanwhile, the homemade chicken stock adds a depth of flavor that will elevate the entire meal.

Preparing the Pea Purée

To start, blanch 1 cup of frozen peas in salted, boiling water for 1 minute, then shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, remove the peas from the water and let them dry on a paper towel. Next, purée the peas in a food mill or food processor until smooth, scraping down halfway through. Set the purée aside for later use.

Sautéing the Onions and Cooking the Rice

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, sweat the onions in 4 tablespoons of butter with a bit of salt until they’re translucent. Add the Arborio rice and stir over low heat until the rice is hot, coated with butter, and begins to whiten. Then, add the white wine, salt, and pepper, and simmer over low heat, stirring until the liquid has almost evaporated.

Adding the Chicken Stock and Pea Purée

Add enough warmed chicken stock to just cover the rice, and simmer using as low a heat as possible, stirring occasionally until the liquid is nearly absorbed. Continue to add more stock in the same manner, stirring frequently, until the rice no longer has a hard center but is firm, not mushy. When close to done, add the Parmesan cheese and the pea purée, mixing until well combined. Finally, add the remaining cup of defrosted peas from the refrigerator and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Finishing Touches

Remove the risotto from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Top with a swirl of good olive oil and serve immediately. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.