Oh, if you haven’t yet discovered the joy of the Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe, you’re in for a real treat. This dish is the perfect marriage of comfort and freshness, combining the luscious creaminess of risotto with sweet bursts of peas and the bright, fragrant lift from mint. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet light, vibrant yet soothing—the ideal centerpiece for a cozy evening meal or an impressive dish to share with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want something satisfying that still feels a little special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—simple is the secret here. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, balanced flavors, and that lovely pop of color that makes this risotto so inviting. Ready to gather your essentials and bring this dish to life?
- Arborio rice: The heart of any risotto, this starchy short-grain rice provides that irresistibly creamy texture.
- Vegetable broth: Keeps the risotto rich and flavorful; warm it up to help the rice cook evenly and absorb all that goodness.
- Peas (fresh or frozen): Add natural sweetness and vibrant green color, enhancing both taste and presentation.
- Onion (finely diced): Builds a subtle, savory base flavor that gently infuses the entire dish.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a delicate punch of aroma and depth without overpowering the fresher notes.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics, adding a smooth richness from the start.
- Butter: Stirred in at the end to enrich the risotto with that classic silky finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity and creaminess.
- Fresh mint (finely chopped): The star herb that refreshes every bite with its cool vibrant flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to season and enhance all the natural flavors.
- Lemon zest: Adds a zingy brightness, lifting the whole dish with subtle citrus notes.
- Dry white wine: Optional but highly recommended to deglaze the pan and add a lovely acidic balance.
How to Make Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Broth
Begin by heating your vegetable broth on low so it stays warm throughout the cooking process. This is crucial because adding cold broth will slow down the cooking and inhibit the rice from releasing its starch, which creates that iconic creaminess.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, wide pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat and add the finely diced onion. Cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent—this builds a delicate, sweet flavor foundation. Then, toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, to avoid any bitterness.
Step 3: Toast the Arborio Rice
Stir in the Arborio rice and keep it moving around the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step is essential because it slightly coats the rice grains with oil, helping them stay separate and start releasing their starch slowly to build creaminess.
Step 4: Add the White Wine (Optional)
Now pour in that splash of dry white wine and stir until it’s fully absorbed by the rice. This step adds brightness and a soft acidity that balances the richness of the risotto beautifully.
Step 5: Ladle in the Broth Gradually
Add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring gently and patiently. Wait for each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This slow absorption process is the magic behind the creamy texture. Keep stirring regularly — it helps coax the starch out and prevents sticking.
Step 6: Incorporate the Peas
After about 15 minutes of slow cooking, stir your peas into the risotto. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen, this is the perfect time to add that beautiful burst of sweet green flavor and a pop of color.
Step 7: Finish with Butter, Cheese, and Mint
Once the rice has achieved that perfect creamy yet slightly al dente bite (around 18 to 20 minutes total), take the pan off the heat. Stir in the butter for extra richness, then fold in the grated Parmesan and fresh chopped mint, which add layers of savoriness and fresh herbal brightness.
Step 8: Season and Rest
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then let your risotto rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with lemon zest for an irresistible zing that lifts every mouthful.
How to Serve Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe truly eye-catching, garnish with a few whole mint leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil. A small sprinkle of extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a welcome final flourish. These touches celebrate the fresh and creamy nature of the dish and invite people to dig in.
Side Dishes
This risotto pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or grilled vegetables that bring a smoky contrast. For protein, try seared scallops, roasted chicken, or a light fish like lemon herb cod to keep the meal balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this risotto in warm, shallow bowls to showcase its creamy texture and vibrant greens. You can also spoon it into edible parmesan bowls for an elegant twist that doubles the cheesy flavor. For a more casual vibe, garnish it with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add crunch and a nutty depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though risotto is definitely best enjoyed fresh for that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing risotto isn’t usually recommended as the texture may change upon thawing, turning a bit grainy or watery. However, if you need to, freeze in small portions to minimize texture loss and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the risotto gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of warm broth or water to revive its creaminess. Stir often to evenly distribute the heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry the dish out or cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas in this Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peas are just as delicious and convenient. Simply add them straight from the freezer at the right step—they’ll cook quickly in the warm risotto without losing their bright color or sweetness.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute the same amount of additional vegetable broth combined with a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of white wine vinegar. This keeps the acidity and brightness that wine would typically add.
Why is it important to add broth slowly?
Adding broth little by little allows the rice to slowly release its starch, which is the secret to achieving that luscious creaminess characteristic of risotto. Pouring it all at once doesn’t give the rice the chance to create the ideal texture.
Can I make this risotto vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, and replace the Parmesan with a nutritional yeast-based alternative or a plant-based cheese that melts well. The peas and mint will still provide that fresh flavor you love.
How do I know when the risotto is ready?
The risotto is ready when the rice grains are tender but still have a slight bite to them (al dente) and the dish has a creamy, slightly loose consistency. It should not be mushy nor dry. Taste testing toward the end is the best indicator.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, flavorful hug that also feels wonderfully fresh and vibrant. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s easier to master than you might think and always impressive on the table. So, gather those beautiful ingredients and give it a go—you’re going to love the silky texture and bright flavors that make this risotto a shining star in your recipe collection.
Print
Creamy Pea and Mint Risotto Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy pea and mint risotto is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Featuring tender Arborio rice cooked slowly in warm vegetable broth, fresh peas, aromatic mint, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this risotto offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and fresh, vibrant flavors. The addition of lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that elevates the dish, making it a perfect vegetarian main or side.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth (kept warm)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Fats and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Zest of ½ lemon
Liquids
- ¼ cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Warm the broth: Heat the vegetable broth in a saucepan over low heat and keep it warm throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking of the rice.
- Sauté onions: In a large, wide pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. The grains should begin to look slightly translucent around the edges, which enhances flavor and texture.
- Deglaze with wine: (Optional) Pour in the dry white wine and stir until it has fully absorbed into the rice, infusing it with subtle acidity and depth.
- Add broth gradually: Add one ladle of warm vegetable broth to the rice, stirring gently until fully absorbed. This slow incorporation helps release the rice’s starch for a creamy risotto.
- Continue adding broth: Keep adding the broth one ladle at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, while stirring regularly. This process should take about 15 minutes.
- Add peas: After about 15 minutes, stir in the peas and continue cooking with the remaining broth until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Finish cooking: When the risotto reaches a creamy consistency and the rice is tender yet slightly firm to the bite (around 18–20 minutes total), remove the pan from the heat.
- Incorporate butter, cheese, and mint: Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped mint to enrich the flavor and add creaminess.
- Season: Taste and season the risotto with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Rest and serve: Let the risotto rest for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors. Add the zest of half a lemon for a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using warm broth is essential to ensure the rice cooks evenly and produces a creamy texture.
- Fresh or frozen peas can be used; add them later in the cooking process to preserve their vibrant color and freshness.
- White wine is optional but adds a pleasant acidity and depth; dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well.
- Stirring regularly while adding broth releases the rice’s starch, critical for creating the creamy risotto texture.
- For a richer risotto, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or Parmesan at the end.
- Serve the risotto immediately as it can thicken upon standing.
