Best Easy Risi e Bisi Recipe

Venice's beloved rice and pea dish straddles the line between risotto and soup. This vegetarian mediterranean classic is fresh, healthy, and a comforting family tradition during spring.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Arborio rice 1 cup
  • Fresh or frozen peas 1.5 cups
  • Yellow onion 1 medium
  • Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Vegetable broth 5 cups
  • Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • Parmesan cheese (shredded) 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 54 g 68%
Protein 10 g 13%
Fat 7 g 20%
Serving size 300g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and butter, then sauté finely chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent without browning.

  2. 2

    Add Arborio rice to the pot, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to coat the grains and release a nutty aroma.

  3. 3

    Pour in heated vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; season with salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    After about 5 minutes, stir in peas and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the rice is al dente and the consistency is creamy yet slightly brothy, about 15–18 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat, fold in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, adjusting consistency with extra broth if needed; taste and correct seasoning before serving promptly.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients in Risi e Bisi are Arborio rice and fresh (or frozen) peas. The rice creates the creamy texture similar to risotto, while the peas provide natural sweetness and a vibrant spring flavor, defining the dish's identity.
Q. What is the most important cooking step for perfect Risi e Bisi?
Properly sautéing the onion in olive oil and butter at medium heat sets the flavorful base. Equally important is gradually simmering the rice and peas with consistent stirring, ensuring a creamy yet brothy consistency that sets Risi e Bisi apart from traditional risotto.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or drying out the rice?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir frequently. Add broth as needed to keep the mixture slightly soupy—Risi e Bisi should be spoonable, not stiff. Taste the rice towards the end; it should be tender but not mushy.
Q. How many calories and how does the nutrition breakdown look per serving?
Each 300g serving contains about 320 kcal. Carbohydrates make up 68% (54g), protein is 13% (10g), and fat is 20% (7g) of each portion. This makes it a balanced, light vegetarian meal.
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