Risotto di Piselli e Pancetta
Risotto di Piselli e Pancetta is a delightful Italian dish that beautifully pairs tender, creamy rice with vibrant green peas and crispy bacon. Infused with the rich flavor of chicken bouillon and enhanced by the richness of butter and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, this comforting recipe transports you to a rustic Italian kitchen with every bite. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish combines simplicity and elegance, making it a perfect representation of classic Italian cuisine.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons
butter
3 tablespoons (divided (1 Tbs for cooking bouillon, 2 Tbs for mixing with rice and peas))
long-grain white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
frozen peas
10 ounces (thawed)
grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
bacon
4 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken bouillon granules with 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
3
After the rice is cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the thawed peas to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of water to create a creamier consistency.
4
Increase the heat to medium. Stir gently and allow the mixture to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peas are heated and the rice is creamy and firm.
5
Finally, fold in the crumbled bacon and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine, cooking for another minute to heat through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Risotto di Piselli e Pancetta?
It is a comforting Italian rice dish featuring tender rice, vibrant green peas, and crispy bacon, enriched with Parmesan cheese and butter.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice.
Can I use Arborio rice instead of long-grain rice?
While this recipe specifies long-grain white rice, Arborio is the traditional choice for risotto and would provide a creamier texture.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Are the peas fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of frozen peas that have been thawed.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of butter is used, divided during the cooking process.
When do I add the chicken bouillon?
The chicken bouillon granules are combined with water and butter at the very beginning to create the cooking liquid.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for approximately 20 minutes until tender.
What should I do if the risotto seems too dry?
If the mixture is too dry after adding the peas, add a splash of water to create a creamier consistency.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
The grated Parmesan cheese is folded in at the very end along with the crumbled bacon.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How long do the peas cook for?
After adding the thawed peas, the mixture cooks for an additional 10 minutes.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side?
It is tagged as both a side dish and a family meal, making it versatile for different dining occasions.
Does the recipe require a specific type of bouillon?
It specifies 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the bacon and replace the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon.
Is the rice cooked before starting?
No, you start with uncooked rice and cook it directly in the bouillon mixture.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine bouillon, water, and 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Do I need to cover the pan while the rice cooks?
Yes, cover the saucepan while the rice simmers for 20 minutes.
What is the heat setting for simmering the rice?
Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low to simmer the rice.
How do I prepare the bacon for the recipe?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled before being added to the dish.
Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they are tender.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a rich, savory flavor from the bouillon and bacon, balanced by the sweetness of peas and the nuttiness of Parmesan.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
Yes, it is a representation of classic Italian cuisine, specifically focused on risotto techniques.
How much water is used for the bouillon?
You use 2 cups of water.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The final dish should be creamy and firm.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe doesn't specify, but if using salted butter, you may want to taste before adding the full amount of additional salt.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Rice is naturally gluten-free, but you should check your chicken bouillon granules to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.
How should I serve Risotto di Piselli e Pancetta?
It should be served warm immediately after the final ingredients are folded in.