Risotto with wild garlic and peas

Risotto with wild garlic and peas - A spring recipe full of freshness

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Spring is approaching quickly, bringing not only warm rays of sunshine but also a rich palette of fresh vegetables. Today, I invite you to join me on a culinary journey with a delicious risotto featuring wild garlic and peas, a simple and quick recipe perfect for celebrating the green season. This dish not only combines the delicate flavors of wild garlic with the sweetness of peas but also offers a creamy texture that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients needed for the risotto

- 40g butter (for a rich and consistent taste)
- 2 green onions (for a crunchy and fresh note)
- 200g Arborio rice (ideal for risotto due to its starch content)
- 1/2 cup white wine (to add depth to the flavors)
- 500ml warm vegetable broth (you can use homemade or store-bought broth)
- 100g green peas (fresh or frozen, depending on the season)
- 1 bunch of wild garlic (an aromatic ingredient full of benefits)

Step by step - Preparing the risotto

1. Preparing the ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Wash and finely chop the wild garlic and green onions. This will not only make the process more efficient but will also help you enjoy the fresh aromas while cooking.

2. Heating the butter: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. The butter will give the risotto a special creaminess, so don’t skip this step.

3. Sautéing the onion: Add the chopped green onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Its sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, preparing the ground for the rice.

4. Adding the rice: At this point, add the Arborio rice. Stir well, making sure each grain of rice is coated with butter. This technique will help the rice absorb liquids evenly.

5. The white wine: Pour the white wine into the pot and bring it to a boil. Allow the alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind a subtle aroma. This is an essential step that will give the risotto an elegant note.

6. Adding the broth: Start adding the vegetable broth gradually, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more broth. This slow cooking process is key to a perfectly creamy risotto.

7. Including the peas: When the rice is almost ready (after about 15-20 minutes), add the green peas. Let them cook for a few minutes until they are tender but still crunchy.

8. Finishing the dish: Once the rice is creamy and al dente, add a tablespoon of butter and, if necessary, more salt. Incorporate most of the chopped wild garlic, stirring gently.

9. Serving: Turn off the heat and let the risotto rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, sprinkled with the remaining wild garlic on top for a vibrant look and intense aroma.

Practical tips

- Choosing the rice: Arborio rice is ideal for risotto due to its high starch content, which contributes to the creamy texture. You can also use other starchy rice types such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.
- For added flavor: You can add a little lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.
- Variations: Instead of wild garlic, you can also experiment with other herbs, such as basil or parsley. Additionally, you can add grated Parmesan or cream for extra richness.

Nutritional benefits

The risotto with wild garlic and peas is not only delicious but also healthy. Wild garlic is a plant rich in vitamins (A, C, and K) and essential minerals, with antibacterial properties. Green peas provide a significant amount of fiber and plant protein, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving of this risotto contains about 350 calories, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?
It is not recommended, as regular rice will not have the same creamy texture characteristic of risotto.

- What can I do if I can’t find wild garlic?
You can substitute wild garlic with fresh spinach or sautéed garlic, which will provide a similar flavor.

Serving suggestions

To complement this risotto recipe with wild garlic and peas, I suggest serving it with a glass of dry white wine, which will highlight the delicate flavors of the dish. Additionally, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette could be the perfect accompaniment. This combination will transform your meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Conclude this culinary adventure with a light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet or a seasonal fruit tart, to add a touch of sweetness at the end of the meal.

So take some time to enjoy cooking and the fresh spring flavors by preparing this risotto with wild garlic and peas. I assure you it will be a success for both you and your loved ones!