Risi E Bisi with Ham and Parmesan

Indulge in the classic Venetian comfort of Risi e Bisi with Ham and Parmesan, a luxurious blend of creamy Arborio rice, sweet peas, and savory diced ham, elevated by the richness of Parmesan cheese. This one-pot masterpiece delivers the perfect balance of flavors, with each grain of rice tenderly cooked in a warm broth and a splash of dry white wine for depth. A touch of fresh parsley and optional lemon zest adds a vibrant finish, making it a versatile dish that works as a hearty main course or an elegant side. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for risotto enthusiasts and anyone seeking a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 0.5 cup Dry white wine
• 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
• 1 cup Frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup Cooked ham, diced
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it well in the butter and oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the edges of the grains become translucent.

Step 4

Pour in the white wine and stir until the wine is mostly absorbed, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Begin adding the warmed broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently to allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue this process for about 15-18 minutes. The rice should be creamy and tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

Step 6

Add the thawed peas and diced ham to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Step 8

If desired, add lemon zest for a fresh, bright note. Stir gently to combine.

Step 9

Serve the Risi e Bisi immediately in shallow bowls, garnished with additional parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1944.2 grams (1944.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1494

Total Fat 67.40g	86%
Saturated Fat 30.00g	150%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 240mg	80%
Sodium 9512mg	414%
Total Carbohydrate 111.20g	40%
Dietary Fiber 15.40g	55%
Total Sugars 23.30g
Protein 92.60g	185%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 624mg	48%
Iron 7mg	37%
Potassium 1718mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.7%

Protein: 26.1%

Carbs: 31.3%