Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Rice Bacon Pea Mushroom Risotto isn't just a meal; it's an experience that brings the heart of Italian cuisine right to your dining table. With crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, and perfectly cooked Arborio rice, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating the chicken broth in a separate saucepan and keep it simmering on low heat. This ensures warm broth for gradual risotto cooking.
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the pan. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the onions and cook until they release their moisture and become slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Add Arborio rice to the pan and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the grains with oil and prevent burning.
- Begin adding warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each ladle of broth to be absorbed before adding the next, which helps release the rice's natural starches.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for approximately 18-20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente, with a slight resistance when bitten.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking to heat them through.
- Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon pieces, salt, and pepper.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfect creamy consistency before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips
- Use authentic Arborio rice for the creamiest texture - it's the secret to true risotto magic.
- Keep your broth warm throughout cooking to ensure consistent temperature and even absorption.
- Stir constantly but gently to release the rice's starches without breaking the grains.
- Add broth gradually and allow each ladle to absorb completely before adding more.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process - patience is key to achieving that signature creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the risotto at its peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
