Creamy Leek and Bacon Risotto with Peas
This Creamy Leek and Bacon Risotto with Peas is a love letter to the flavors of Italy, where I first learned to craft this luxurious dish just a day before my wedding. The risotto is rich and creamy, balancing the smoky flavor of bacon with the sweet notes of fresh leeks and bright peas. This recipe may require patience and a bit of practice, but the end result is a comforting and indulgent meal that will impress dinner guests or provide a delightful weeknight dinner. With just the right texture and depth of flavor, every spoonful will transport you back to that beautiful day in Italy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leek
1 (White and light-green parts only, thinly sliced)
Low sodium chicken broth
6 cups (Simmering)
Bacon
2 slices (Cut crosswise into strips)
Arborio rice
1 1/4 cups (Raw)
Dry white wine
1/2 cup (Raw)
Frozen peas
1/2 cup (Optional, thawed)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Finely grated, plus more for serving)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Coarse salt
to taste
Ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
2
Prepare the leeks by slicing them in half lengthwise and rinsing thoroughly under running water to remove any grit. Pat dry and thinly slice the white and light-green parts.
3
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon strips over medium heat, stirring frequently until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. The fat should render but the bacon should not be crispy.
4
Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until they soften and become fragrant, about 2 minutes.
5
Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the arborio rice to the skillet. Stir the rice for about 1 minute, allowing it to toast slightly and become translucent around the edges.
6
Pour in the dry white wine, stirring continuously until it has evaporated, which should take about 2 minutes.
7
Lower the heat back to medium-low, then add 1 cup of the simmering broth to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the broth is mostly absorbed, approximately 2 minutes.
8
Continue to add the broth, one cup at a time, allowing the rice to absorb it before adding more. Stir often until the rice is al dente and the risotto is creamy, which should take about 35 minutes. You might not need to use all of the broth.
9
If using, stir in the frozen peas after the final addition of broth and allow them to warm through.
10
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
11
Cover the skillet and let the risotto stand for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
12
Before serving, season the risotto to taste with fresh lemon juice, coarse salt, and ground pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Leek and Bacon Risotto with Peas?
It is a luxurious Italian-inspired dish that balances smoky bacon with sweet leeks, bright peas, and a rich, creamy texture.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Arborio rice is used in this recipe because its high starch content creates the essential creamy texture required for risotto.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of bacon, cut crosswise into strips.
How should the leeks be prepared?
You should use only the white and light-green parts, slicing them in half lengthwise to rinse out grit before thinly slicing them.
Do I need to wash the leeks?
Yes, it is important to rinse the leeks thoroughly under running water after slicing them lengthwise to remove any trapped dirt or grit.
What type of broth should I use?
This recipe uses 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth, kept at a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
Why must the chicken broth be warm?
Keeping the broth at a simmer ensures that the temperature of the risotto stays consistent, allowing the rice to cook evenly.
Should the bacon be crispy?
No, the bacon should be cooked until lightly browned and the fat is rendered, but it should not become crispy.
How long do I cook the leeks?
The sliced leeks should be stirred into the bacon fat and cooked for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
What is the purpose of toasting the rice?
Toasting the Arborio rice for about 1 minute helps it absorb flavors and allows the edges to become translucent.
What kind of wine is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry white wine to add depth and acidity to the dish.
How long does it take for the wine to evaporate?
The wine should be stirred continuously and usually takes about 2 minutes to evaporate completely.
How do I add the broth to the rice?
Add the simmering broth one cup at a time, allowing each cup to be mostly absorbed before adding the next.
How often should I stir the risotto?
You should stir frequently to help the rice release its starch, which creates the creamy sauce.
How long does the total cooking process take for the rice?
It typically takes about 35 minutes for the rice to reach an al dente texture.
Do I have to use all 6 cups of broth?
Not necessarily; you may not need the full amount of broth once the rice is al dente and the texture is creamy.
When do I add the frozen peas?
The peas should be stirred in after the final addition of broth and allowed to warm through.
Are the peas mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of frozen peas is an optional ingredient.
What cheese is used in this risotto?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirred in after the skillet is removed from the heat.
Why let the risotto stand for 2 minutes?
Covering the skillet and letting it stand helps enhance the flavors and final consistency before serving.
What seasonings are added at the end?
The dish is seasoned to taste with coarse salt, ground pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
Why add lemon juice to the risotto?
A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is added to provide a bright, acidic finish that cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
What does 'al dente' mean for this recipe?
Al dente means the rice should be tender but still have a slight firmness or bite in the center.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
While it requires patience and practice for the stirring process, it is considered a delightful and manageable weeknight dinner.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While the recipe specifies chicken broth, you could use vegetable broth as a substitute.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients: leek, chicken broth, bacon, arborio rice, white wine, frozen peas, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Can I serve extra cheese with this dish?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving the risotto with additional finely grated Parmesan cheese.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the flavors of Italy, specifically learned a day before the creator's wedding.
What heat setting should be used for the broth absorption?
After adding the first cup of broth, the heat should be lowered to medium-low for the remainder of the absorption process.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan and keep it warm.