Easter Lunch Ideas! Spring Pea and Mint Risotto

As the days grow warmer and fresh produce becomes more abundant, it's the perfect time to enjoy light yet comforting dishes.

This Spring Pea and Mint Risotto is a delicious way to embrace the season, combining the creamy richness of risotto with the freshness of sweet peas and mint.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a cozy homemade meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Seasonal – Peas and mint bring a bright, springtime flavor to a classic risotto.
• Creamy and Comforting – The texture is perfectly rich, yet light enough for warmer days.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and step-by-step cooking, even beginners can master this dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Risotto:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth (kept warm)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garnish:

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

How to Make Spring Pea and Mint Risotto

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with the oil, and cook for another 2 minutes until the edges look slightly translucent.

2. Add Wine and Begin Adding Broth

If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer until absorbed. Then, start adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 15-18 minutes.

3. Add Peas and Finish Cooking

Once the rice is almost tender, stir in the peas and cook for another 3-5 minutes. The risotto should be creamy, and the rice should be tender but slightly al dente.

4. Stir in Butter, Cheese, and Mint

Remove from heat and mix in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh mint. Stir well until the risotto becomes rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with lemon zest, extra Parmesan cheese, and a few whole mint leaves. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips for the Best Risotto

• Use Warm Broth – Adding cold broth can slow down the cooking process and affect the texture.
• Stir Frequently – This helps release the starch from the rice, creating a creamy consistency.
• Don’t Overcook the Peas – Adding them near the end keeps them bright green and fresh.

A Perfect Dish for Spring

This Spring Pea and Mint Risotto is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients. It's light yet satisfying, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a spring gathering. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a simple salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy the flavors of spring in every creamy, delicious bite!

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Matthew Luca

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