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Venetian Rice and Peas

3.8

(16)

Almost a risotto and not quite a soup, risi e bisi was once reserved for occasions. Thanks to food processors, high-quality frozen peas, and our super-fast stir-it-once method, you needn't wait for a special day.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 garlic clove
1 medium onion, quartered
1/4 pound sliced pancetta
2 (2- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 (10-ounce) box frozen baby peas
1 cup Arborio rice
1/3 cup grated parmesan

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring broth to a simmer in a saucepan, then keep at a simmer.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, turn on a food processor and drop in garlic, processing until finely chopped. Turn off processor, then add onion and pancetta and pulse until finely chopped.

    Step 3

    Cook onion mixture with zest in oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring once or twice, until onion is softened and just beginning to turn golden, about 6 minutes.

    Step 4

    Cook peas in broth 2 minutes. Strain broth into onion mixture, reserving peas, then stir in rice. Cook, covered, over high heat, stirring once after 5 minutes, until rice is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in peas, cheese, remaining tablespoon butter, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

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