Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, velvety masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Italian-inspired Risotto with Ham and Peas is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your dining table. With its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors, this risotto is about to become your new favorite comfort food that looks and tastes like you've trained in a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by finely chopping the onion, dicing the ham into small cubes, and measuring out the rice, chicken broth, and frozen peas.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with oil and prevent burning. The rice should become slightly translucent and emit a nutty aroma.
- Begin adding the warm chicken broth one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously and allow each ladleful to be almost completely absorbed before adding the next. This slow process helps release the rice's starches, creating the creamy texture characteristic of risotto.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente, with a slight firmness in the center of each grain.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, fold in the diced ham and frozen peas. This allows them to heat through without overcooking.
- Remove the risotto from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will help melt the cheese and create additional creaminess.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the risotto to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture settle.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. The risotto should spread slightly on the plate, with a creamy, soft consistency.
Tips
- Use authentic Arborio rice - its high starch content is key to achieving that signature creamy texture.
- Keep your chicken broth warm before adding to the rice. Cold liquid can shock the rice and disrupt the cooking process.
- Stir constantly but gently. This releases the rice's starches without breaking the grains.
- Patience is crucial! The slow addition of broth and constant stirring creates the risotto's legendary creaminess.
- Don't overcook the ham and peas - they should be just heated through to maintain their flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately after cooking. Risotto continues to absorb liquid and can become too thick if left standing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
