This traditional Veronese dish is an essential recipe in most kitchens, of Verona. Prepared like a risotto, the consistency should be a bit soupier!
Ingredients
500g peas in their pods
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
40g butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
100g pancetta or bacon, chopped (optional)
2 cups arborio rice
40g parmesan, finely grated
A small handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
Method
Pod all the peas.
Fill a pan with 1.5 liters water and place pods in the water.
Bring to the boil, then simmer for 40-60 minutes, or until reduced by about half.
Strain and discard the pods.
Add the pea liquid to the stock and return to a simmer.
Using a heavy based saucepan, melt half the butter with the oil, add the onion and cook until the onion softens.
Add the pancetta or bacon if using and cook for another five minutes.
Add the rice and cook until all the grains are well coated with butter and oil and begin to look translucent.
Add a cup of stock.
Keep stirring as cooking, adding stock as needed until you reach a soupy consistency (you may not need all the stock).
Add the peas halfway through.
Once the dish is ready, stir in the cheese and remaining butter, cover and leave to sit for five minutes.
Season to taste and top with chopped parsley.
Prepared, tried and tested Lorelle Catalano
