Inspired by The Mediterranean Cookbook, this Risi e Bisi Recipe (Rice and Peas) can be served as a comfort food or appetizer. It’s definitely filling enough to be a meal on its own though!

Gordon Ramsay has played a large part in my interest in cooking. However, he initially made me fearful of not cooking risotto properly. So, I always get nervous before making it or anything similar. This time, I felt confident cooking it. (I still watched Ramsay cooking it beforehand to give me an extra boost of confidence).

Cooking this arborio rice is not difficult, so don’t worry! You can make this dish easily and stress-free and it’s perfect for any night of the week.

Risi e Bisi

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
3 Shallots, finely chopped
4 oz (115g) Pancetta or rindless bacon, diced
1 1/2 cups Arborio Rice
2/3 cup Dry White Wine (Or replacement)
1 1/2 cups Baby Peas, thawed if using frozen
Salt and Pepper
Garnish: Parmesan Cheese Shavings

Instructions

Pour the broth into a large pan, bring to a boil, and then lower the heat. Simmer gently.

Melt 4 Tbsps of butter in a separate large pot. Add the shallots and pancetta. Cook over low heat while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until they are softened. Add the rice and cook, continuing to stir, for another 2-3 minutes or until the grains are well-coated/glistening.

Pour in the dry wine or replacement and cook, still stirring constantly, until it is nearly all evaporated.

Then, add a ladleful of hot broth and cook while stirring, until it has been completely absorbed. Repeat this step for 10 minutes. Add the peas and then continue adding in the broth for another 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Stir in the remaining butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a warmed serving dish, and garnish with the parmesan shavings. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Related:

Pasta with Scallops and Peas
Cheesy Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes with Bacon
Cheesy Mushroom and Egg, Bacon and Avocado Toast Recipe