Shrimp and Green Pea Risotto

Introduction

Shrimp and Green Pea Risotto is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the sweetness of shrimp and green peas with the creamy richness of risotto. This recipe is ideal for a family dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you crave a comforting yet elegant meal. The combination of fresh shrimp and bright green peas creates a beautiful color contrast and enhances the risotto's delicate texture. The key to a perfect risotto is slow cooking and constant stirring, which releases the starch from the rice, giving it its signature creamy consistency.

Ingredients

For this Shrimp and Green Pea Risotto (serves 4), you will need the following ingredients:

• 300 g Arborio rice (risotto rice)
• 400 g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 150 g green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1.5 liters vegetable or seafood stock
• 50 g butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the shrimp

1. Season the shrimp: Start by seasoning the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the risotto.

2. Sauté the shrimp: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside for later.

2. Cooking the risotto

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

2. Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice with the oil, butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the edges become translucent.

3. Start adding stock: Begin adding the vegetable or seafood stock one ladle at a time, stirring the rice constantly. Allow the stock to be absorbed by the rice before adding another ladle. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and cooked through but still slightly al dente.

3. Adding the green peas

1. Add the peas: Once the rice is nearly done (about 5 minutes before finishing), stir in the green peas. If you are using frozen peas, add them directly to the risotto. If using fresh peas, blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding to the rice. Cook for the remaining 5 minutes, ensuring the peas are tender but still vibrant.

4. Finishing the risotto

1. Add shrimp and season: Once the risotto has reached the desired creamy consistency, gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Add the lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Stir in Parmesan cheese: Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. If the risotto is too thick, add a splash of stock to loosen it to your liking.

5. Garnish and serve

1. Final touches: Garnish the risotto with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil for added freshness. You can also serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want a cheesier risotto.

2. Serve immediately: Serve the Shrimp and Green Pea Risotto hot, as it is best enjoyed right after cooking when the risotto is at its creamiest.

Variations

• Vegetarian version: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the shrimp and add more green vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or spinach for a fresh and healthy variation.

• Herb butter shrimp: For an extra layer of flavor, you can cook the shrimp in herb butter made with parsley, thyme, or oregano. This will add depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

• Lemon zest twist: Add an extra hint of citrus by incorporating lemon zest throughout the risotto. This will enhance the brightness of the dish and complement the shrimp beautifully.

• Chili kick: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili to the risotto while cooking. The slight spiciness pairs well with the sweetness of the shrimp and peas.

Tips for Perfect Risotto

1. Use Arborio rice: Arborio rice is essential for risotto because of its high starch content, which gives risotto its signature creamy texture.

2. Constant stirring: Stirring the risotto frequently allows the starch to be released from the rice, creating the creamy consistency that defines risotto. However, be careful not to over-stir, as this can make the rice mushy.

3. Gradual stock addition: Adding the stock slowly, one ladle at a time, ensures the rice absorbs the liquid evenly and achieves the perfect texture.

4. Taste as you go: Always taste the risotto during cooking to ensure the rice reaches the perfect al dente texture, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Green Pea Risotto is a delicious, creamy dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and the sweetness of green peas with the luxurious texture of perfectly cooked risotto. It's a dish that's simple to prepare but feels elegant and indulgent, making it a great choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Try this recipe the next time you want to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal at home!