Spring Pea Risotto With Ham and Fontina
Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season of life and renewal than with the bounty of the earth? Jump into spring this year with these delicious and veggie-packed recipes to keep you full, healthy and renewed. From radishes to peas, we’ve got you covered.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
- 1 cup shelled baby peas
- 1/2 cup finely diced ham
- 1 cup grated Fontina cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the olive oil and half the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat until sizzling over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and stir to coat the rice completely with the oil mixture.
- Cook for an additional three minutes, stirring often.
- Add the wine to the pot, stir to mix, and continue to cook over medium heat until the wine has been absorbed.
- Add a ladleful of warm broth and continue to cook, stirring constantly.
- As each addition of broth has been absorbed, add another, stirring constantly until the rice is just slightly firm to the bite, about 20 minutes.
- With the last addition of broth, add the peas, ham, Fontina cheese, lemon zest, and basil.
- Stir to mix, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook another five minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the Fontina cheese, and stir until the cheese has completely melted into the rice.
- Risotto should have a creamy consistency that settles on a plate when spooned.
- If not, thin with extra stock or water until creamy consistency is reached.