Ham and Pea Risotto
Ham and Pea Risotto is a comforting dish that combines creamy Arborio rice, savory ham, and vibrant peas to create a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe captures the essence of home-cooked warmth, making it ideal for family dinners or impressing guests. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this risotto will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (warm)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and Arborio rice; stir for 2 minutes until the rice glistens.
- Gradually add warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed.
- After about 15-20 minutes and when the rice is al dente, fold in diced ham and peas until heated through.
- Remove from heat; stir in grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Substitute leftover turkey or chicken for ham if preferred. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance flavor. For creamier risotto, add more broth as needed during cooking.