Introducing our comforting and flavorful Pea and Ham Risotto, tailor-made for all you risotto enthusiasts out there! This classic dish takes on a delightful twist, bringing together creamy textures and delicious flavors that will have you craving more. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend indulgence, our Pea and Ham Risotto is here to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.
A Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures
Crafted with care and attention, this recipe combines the richness of Arborio rice with the wholesome goodness of peas and diced ham. A symphony of tastes unfolds as you sauté onions, awaken the rice grains, and gradually infuse them with warm chicken or vegetable stock. The addition of peas and ham adds a burst of vibrancy and a satisfying touch of protein. As the risotto transforms into a creamy delight, a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan and a touch of butter enhance the flavors, making each mouthful a savory sensation.
Pea and Ham Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock warm
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 200 g ham diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Onion Sauté: In a deep pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Rice Revival: Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring each grain gets coated with the oil and onion mixture.
- Stock Strategy: Add the warm stock, one cup at a time, stirring often until each addition is almost fully absorbed.
- Pea & Ham Hype: As the risotto starts to get creamy, add the peas and diced ham. Cook until the rice is al dente and the peas are tender.
- Cheesy Finish: Remove from heat, stir in butter and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Health Benefits:
Peas: A powerhouse of vitamins, protein, and dietary fibre. Ham: An excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins. Arborio Rice: A carb essential providing energy and essential minerals.Did You Know & Roots and Tradition:
Peas: Did you know that peas were one of the first cultivated crops by humans nearly 10,000 years ago in the Middle East? Ham: From the Spanish Jamón to the Italian Prosciutto, cured ham has a rich history across various cultures. Risotto: A staple from Northern Italy, it’s believed risotto was introduced by the Arabs during their rule over Sicily.Nutrients & Calories:
(Note: Values are just ballpark figures.) Per Serving:Calories: 380
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 53g
Dietary Fibre: ~15% of the Daily Value (DV)
Tips & Tricks: Using warm stock is crucial to maintaining the temperature for even cooking.
Keep stirring the risotto to get that classic creamy texture.
Add some white wine for an extra layer of flavour, just before the stock.
For a vegetarian twist, skip the ham and boost up the veggie quotient with bell peppers or mushrooms.
Conclusion: And there you have it – a heart-warming dish of Pea and Ham Risotto that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for any occasion, it’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Have your own favourite risotto additions? Share away! Until next time, happy cooking!