Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: creamy, savory risotto and the brightness of seasonal herbs and vegetables. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a dish that feels gourmet without the fuss. It’s also vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted to be fully vegan.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Arborio rice
Vegetable broth or stock
Peas (fresh or frozen)
Onion
Garlic
Olive oil
Butter
Parmesan cheese
Fresh mint
Salt and black pepper
Optional: lemon zest
Optional: dry white wine
Optional add-ins: asparagus, spinach, or other green vegetables

Directions

Warm the vegetable broth in a saucepan and keep it over low heat.
In a separate large pan, heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped onion until soft and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
If using white wine, add it now and stir until absorbed.
Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring gently and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue this process for about 15 minutes.
Stir in the peas and continue cooking, adding more broth until the rice is tender and creamy (about 5–7 more minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in butter, grated Parmesan, chopped mint, salt, and pepper to taste.
Let rest for 1–2 minutes. Add lemon zest if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Stir in other spring vegetables like asparagus, fava beans, or spinach.
Use dry white wine for added depth of flavor.
Replace Parmesan and butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.
Top with seared scallops, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for added protein.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy texture.
Not suitable for freezing: Risotto tends to become grainy or mushy after being frozen.
Creative reuse: Use cold risotto to make arancini (fried risotto balls) or crispy risotto cakes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peas work perfectly and do not need to be thawed before use.

Do I need to stir constantly while cooking risotto?

You don’t have to stir non-stop, but frequent stirring is essential to release the rice’s starch and achieve a creamy texture.

What type of rice is best for risotto?

Arborio rice is ideal due to its high starch content, which creates the signature creamy consistency of risotto.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.

Should I rinse the rice before cooking?

No, rinsing removes the starch necessary for the creamy texture, so use the rice as-is.

How do I know when the risotto is done?

The rice should be tender with a slight bite (al dente), and the mixture should be thick and creamy but still loose enough to flow slightly on the plate.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prep the broth, chop the vegetables, and measure out ingredients ahead of time.

What can I serve with pea and mint risotto?

It pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a protein like grilled chicken or fish.

What if my risotto turns out too thick?

Simply stir in a bit more warm broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I add other herbs besides mint?

Yes, try fresh basil, parsley, or chives for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Pea and Mint Risotto is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that proves simplicity can be incredibly delicious. With its velvety texture, sweet green peas, and bright mint, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple — perfect for springtime, special occasions, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside your favorite entrée, this risotto is sure to impress.