With Spring in the air and delicious produce in the fruit & veggie shop I’m all about simple dinners that really allow the veggies to really be the star of the dish. I find risottos really fit this bill and today’s zucchini & pea risotto is a perfect example!
The combination of the creamy rice, slightly caramelised zucchini and bursts of sweetness from the peas it makes a perfect dinner, and the best part about risottos is they make excellent leftovers the next day as well!
Ingredients List
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2tbs butter
- 1 leek
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups peas
- 2tbs fresh mint
- Goats cheese (optional)
Steps
- Bring the stock to boil then reduce to a simmer
- Halve the zucchini then thinly slice. Mince the garlic
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the zucchini and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until the zucchini has softened
- Remove from the pan and add the leek. Cook until softened then add the rice and stir to coat
- Add the white wine, stir and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in a ladleful of the stock and cook until absorbed.
- Repeat until almost all the stock has been absorbed and the rice is just cooked.
- With the final ladle of stock add the zucchini and peas and stir through. Cook until the peas are tender and the liquid is all absorbed
- Serve and top with finely chopped mint and crumble on some goats cheese (or parmesan)
- Enjoy!
Opening a bottle of wine to cook with means I should probably have a glass of wine while I eat it as well! Can’t complain about that!
The tastes of Spring in a bowl!
Are you a risotto fan? Fancy this Zucchini & Pea Risotto for dinner?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile
September 26, 2014 at 10:37 am (10 years ago)Oh yes please!! I am the hugest risotto fan and I love how light and ‘spring-like’ this one is. Thanks for linking up to our Fab Foodie Fridays party! xx
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted…Spinach, Feta & Tomato Scrolls – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #20
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 26, 2014 at 10:39 am (10 years ago)Thanks lovely, it’s definitely a good one for Spring! xx
DebH
September 26, 2014 at 11:17 am (10 years ago)This looks great and a real winner.
DebH recently posted…Apple Cake==Upside Down
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 29, 2014 at 7:50 am (10 years ago)Thanks Deb!
erin
September 26, 2014 at 4:51 pm (10 years ago)I love adding peas to EVERYTHING this time of year. There is no dish that can’t be improved by a pea, I say!
erin recently posted…Feta + Lamb Meatball Subs with Cucumber Mint Salad
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 29, 2014 at 7:50 am (10 years ago)Me too! I’m throwing them in absolutely everything!
Rebecca
September 26, 2014 at 5:13 pm (10 years ago)Yes I am a risotto fan! This looks delish. I am also loving peas and zucchini and asparagus – Yay to spring! Bec x
Rebecca recently posted…A Classic Blueberry Pie
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 29, 2014 at 7:50 am (10 years ago)Yay to Spring indeed, such a good time for vegetables!
Angus Grant
September 28, 2014 at 9:29 pm (10 years ago)This was delicious and made my wife very happy so a double win. She has requested I put it on high rotation. Thanks.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 29, 2014 at 7:51 am (10 years ago)So glad to hear that Angus!
Kate @rosehipsrhubarb
October 2, 2014 at 6:03 am (10 years ago)Risotto is my favorite comfort food and yours looks absolutely beautiful.
Kate @rosehipsrhubarb recently posted…Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Brownies
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
October 2, 2014 at 7:47 am (10 years ago)Thanks Kate, it really is a great comfort food isn’t it!