Start to finish: 35 minutes / Servings: 4
This simple recipe transforms a few basic ingredients into a risotto full of bright, bracing flavors. When cooked, the grains of Arborio rice should be tender but retain a slight chew at the center; they should not be evenly soft throughout. Chopped fresh parsley, basil or mint sprinkled on top just before serving offers vibrant color, flavor and fragrance; use whichever you have.
1 quart low-sodium chicken broth OR vegetable broth
3 tablespoons salted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces, divided
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1 cup Arborio rice
1½ cups frozen peas, thawed and patted dry
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (½ cup), plus more to serve
Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley OR basil OR mint, to serve
In a medium saucepan over medium, bring the broth and 2 cups water, covered, to a simmer; reduce to low to keep warm.
In a large saucepan over medium, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the onion and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the grains are translucent at the edges, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 3 cups of the hot broth mixture and bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce to medium and cook, stirring often and briskly, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes; adjust the heat as needed to maintain a vigorous simmer.
Cook, adding ¼ cup of the broth at a time, until the rice is al dente and loose but not soupy, another 8 to 10 minutes. You may not need all of the broth. Off heat, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the peas, lemon zest and juice, and Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley and additional Parmesan.