Spring Pea Mint Risotto (Print version)

Creamy risotto featuring fresh peas, mint, and Parmesan, perfect for a seasonal dinner gathering.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Rice

04 - 1.5 cups Arborio rice

→ Liquids

05 - 4 cups vegetable stock, kept warm
06 - 0.5 cup dry white wine

→ Dairy

07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
08 - 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 - 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - Zest of 1 lemon

# How to Make:

01 - In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
02 - Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the grains are lightly toasted and coated in butter, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring, until mostly absorbed.
04 - Begin adding the warm vegetable stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, approximately 18-20 minutes.
05 - Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they remain bright and tender.
06 - Remove the risotto from heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, Parmesan, mint, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh mint leaves.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bursting with fresh spring flavors from peas and mint
  • Creamy, comforting texture that feels indulgent yet uses simple ingredients
  • Impressive enough for dinner parties but achievable for home cooks
  • Vegetarian-friendly main dish that satisfies everyone
  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
02 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor—pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly
  • Keep the stock warm throughout cooking to maintain consistent temperature
  • Don't skip the wine—it adds essential acidity and depth
  • Add peas in the final minutes to preserve their bright color and texture
  • Let the risotto rest for a minute before serving to allow flavors to meld
  • For extra richness, drizzle with good-quality olive oil before serving
Go back