Risi e Bisi (Italian Rice and Peas)
A traditional Venetian comfort dish made with Arborio rice, sweet peas, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese simmered to a creamy, soupy perfection. Simple, rustic, and deeply flavorful.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 shallots minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 pound prosciutto or other dry-cured ham diced
- 1 cup Arborio or other risotto rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 or more cups water as needed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/2 cup parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatic Base:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Incorporate Garlic and Prosciutto:
- Add the minced garlic and diced prosciutto to the shallots. Stir well and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the prosciutto to render slightly.
Toast the Rice:
- Stir in the Arborio rice, coating each grain with the aromatic oil mixture. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously until the rice becomes glossy and slightly translucent at the edges.
Add Stock Gradually:
- In a separate pot, bring the stock and one cup of water to a gentle simmer. Gradually ladle in the hot liquid to the rice mixture, one scoop at a time, stirring constantly. Allow each addition to absorb before adding more. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout the process.
Incorporate Peas and Adjust Liquid:
- Once half the liquid has been absorbed and the rice begins to soften, add the peas. Continue adding more stock or hot water as needed, stirring regularly. The texture should remain slightly soupy—between risotto and broth consistency.
Finish the Dish:
- When the rice is tender yet still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve:
- Ladle the Risi e Bisi into warm bowls. Serve immediately while creamy and hot, with additional Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
Risi e Bisi is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, to ensure full compliance, verify that the stock and prosciutto are certified gluten-free and free of any additives or thickeners that may contain gluten.