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Rice and peas

17/11/2023

Rice and peas is a classic Italian recipe, loved for its simplicity and delicate taste. This dish is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can come together to create a nutritious and flavorful meal. Commonly prepared in spring when fresh peas are in season, it can also be made with frozen peas, making it available year-round. Perfect as a main course or side dish, rice and peas combines the creaminess of rice cooked in broth with the natural sweetness of peas, creating a balance of flavors that appeals to both adults and children.

Ingredients

  • 320 grams of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 300 grams of fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper (optional)
  • Butter (optional)

Preparation

  1. Prepare the vegetable broth and keep it warm throughout the preparation.

  2. Finely chop the onion. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, being careful not to let it burn.

  3. Add the fresh or frozen peas to the pot with the onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas become tender.

  4. Add the rice to the pot and mix well, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors of the oil, onion, and peas. This step takes about 2-3 minutes.

  5. Begin adding the hot broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait for the liquid to be absorbed by the rice before adding more broth. Continue in this manner for about 15-18 minutes, until the rice is cooked al dente and creamy. Make sure the rice does not dry out too much and add more broth if necessary.

  6. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to combine everything.

  7. If desired, you can add a knob of butter to make the rice even creamier. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Serve the rice and peas immediately, hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Curiosities

Rice and peas is a very versatile recipe. You can enrich it by adding some diced cooked ham or speck for a more intense flavor. Originating from the peasant tradition, this dish has become a staple in Italian kitchens precisely because of its tastiness and simplicity.

Rice and peas