Description
Pea and Mint Orzo Risotto is a creamy and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta combined with sweet green peas, fresh mint, Parmesan cheese, and a bright hint of lemon. This recipe mimics the luxurious texture of traditional risotto but is quicker and simpler to prepare, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Orzo Risotto Base
- 1½ cups orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
Add-ins and Seasonings
- 1½ cups frozen peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, warm the olive oil and butter together over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing it to release its aroma but not brown.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly brown the pasta and enhance the flavor.
- Begin adding broth: Pour in about 1 cup of the warm broth and stir. Let the orzo simmer gently until most of the liquid is absorbed by the pasta.
- Continue adding broth gradually: Add the remaining broth in increments of about ½ cup, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 12 to 15 minutes, resulting in tender, creamy orzo.
- Cook peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are heated through and tender.
- Finish with flavorings: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the orzo risotto immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh mint for garnish.
Notes
- Stir the orzo regularly to promote starch release which helps achieve the creamy risotto texture.
- If the orzo becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
- Fresh peas can be used when in season for a sweeter, fresher flavor.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be stirred in before serving.
- This dish is vegetarian when using vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish, Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
