DAVID TANIS'S RISI E BISI

David Tanis's Risi e Bisi image

This traditional Italian dish of rice with peas is best made in the spring when fresh peas in the pod are at their sweetest. It is similar to risotto, but a bit on the soupy side, and less rich. A flavorful homemade chicken broth is essential. Look for peas that haven't quite filled their pods - larger peas will be starchier. Asian markets and some farmers' markets carry leafy pea tendrils, but any tender greens are fine.

Provided by David Tanis

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup arborio or carnaroli rice
Salt and pepper
6 cups hot chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces pancetta, diced
6 scallions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
12 fresh sage leaves
8 ounces shucked English peas, about 2 cups
4 ounces pea tendrils or shoots (or use baby spinach)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 ounces grated Parmesan

Steps:

Melt butter in a heavy, wide saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in rice and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a brisk simmer. Cook 6 minutes, stirring occasionally as broth is absorbed. Add 2 more cups broth and cook for another 6 minutes, until rice is cooked through, but firm.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook 2 minutes without browning. Add scallions, stir to coat and cook 1 minute. Add garlic, sage leaves and peas. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup broth and simmer until peas are done, about 2 minutes. Add pea tendrils and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
Add pea mixture to rice mixture and gently stir together. Add enough broth to keep rice a bit soupy. Check seasoning. Stir in parsley, lemon zest and Parmesan and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 434, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 935 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams