Risotto is one of my favourite autumn and spring meal options, and this pea, saffron & parmesan risotto is my new go-to. It’s simple but delicious, easy enough for a mid week meal but fancy enough for a dinner party with friends as well.
So, onto the risotto!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- Small brown onion
- Leek
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3tbs butter
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 cups peas
- Pinch of saffron threads
- 1 cup parmesan (or parmesan style cheese)
- Salt & pepper
Steps
- Bring the stock to boil in a saucepan then reduce to a simmer
- Finely dice the onion and leek and mince the garlic
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan then add the onion, leek and garlic and cook, stirring for 5 minutes
- Add the rice and stir to coat with the onion mix and cook for 2 minutes
- Add the white wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed
- Add a ladleful of stock and stir until absorbed, repeating until the rice is just tender and the risotto is creamy
- Add the peas and saffron and stir through, cooking for 3 minutes, or until cooked through
- Remove from the heat and stir through the grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper
- Enjoy!
I personally don’t eat parmesan because it’s not vegetarian friendly, so instead I use a rennet free parmesan-style cheese I get from my local health food store. It’s up to you though, if you normally use parmesan (or eat meat) then go for it! Real saffron is best as well, it has more flavour than imitation saffron which generally just provides the colour without the flavour, so it’s worth the extra few dollars to buy some. You can use it for more than just this risotto as well!
The other great thing about making risotto is that I have to crack open a bottle of wine, so it would be wasteful to not enjoy a glass while eating it as well! It’s a tough gig, isn’t it!
Are you a risotto fan? Fancy this pea, saffron & parmesan risotto tonight?
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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
March 23, 2015 at 7:05 am (10 years ago)I love risotto! It always reminds of of my mother-in-law. She was the best risotto maker!!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted…Cadbury Creme Egg Brownies by Love Swah
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 25, 2015 at 7:06 pm (10 years ago)It’s such a comforting meal, isn’t it!
merilyn
March 23, 2015 at 6:15 pm (10 years ago)that looks yummy and pretty simple! thanks liz! love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 25, 2015 at 7:07 pm (10 years ago)Thanks Merilyn!
Nicole- Champagne and Chips
March 23, 2015 at 9:15 pm (10 years ago)This looks so good. I love risotto. I really must use saffron in cooking more often too.
Nicole- Champagne and Chips recently posted…Cadbury Creme Egg Cake
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 25, 2015 at 7:08 pm (10 years ago)I hadn’t used it in ages either Nicole!
Elizabeth
March 24, 2015 at 8:59 am (10 years ago)I never use saffron because its expensive and I don’t really have a reliable source but this risotto looks lovely.
Elizabeth recently posted…Fasolatha – Greek white bean soup
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 25, 2015 at 7:10 pm (10 years ago)My local grocer seems to stock it fairly regularly, but it can be pretty pricey. I think it’s worth it every now and again though!
vegeTARAian
March 27, 2015 at 10:02 am (10 years ago)Yes yes YES! An excellent flavour combo there, your guests would be impressed!
vegeTARAian recently posted…Individual nachos bowls
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 27, 2015 at 8:46 pm (10 years ago)Thanks lovely xx
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages
March 27, 2015 at 9:07 pm (10 years ago)I love risotto! Especially, like you said, when you can sneak in a cheeky glass of wine. #FFF
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted…Friday Favourite Kelly Exeter
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
March 31, 2015 at 1:18 pm (10 years ago)It’s my favourite part of risotto making!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make
March 31, 2015 at 8:27 pm (10 years ago)Risotto is one of my favourite recipes too and better yet, my boys love it as well!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make recently posted…Easy Easter Recipes
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
April 10, 2015 at 11:55 am (10 years ago)Gotta love anything the kids will eat!