Pea Pesto Base:
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 shallot, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup spring peas
- 1/8 cup Pesto Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Sicilian Lemon Balsamic
Risotto:
- 2 tablespoons Pesto Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup pecorino romano or parmesan, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spring Vegetable Sauté:
- 2 tablespoons Pesto Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup spring peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Micro greens and charred lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Combine pesto pea base ingredients (garlic, shallot, peas, pesto olive oil, and lemon balsamic) together in the bowl of a food processor, blend until smooth and set aside.
Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rice and stir until the rice is coated with the oil, continue to sauté for 1 minute. Add the pesto pea base to the skillet and stir to combine, continuing to sauté for another (1) minute.
Add 1 cup of broth to the skillet, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Once the broth has been fully absorbed, add another cup. Continue this process, adding 1 cup of broth at a time, until the rice is tender but still retains a little bite.
Stir in the grated cheese and season the risotto to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.
For the veggie sauté, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the asparagus, snap peas, and spring peas, sauté until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Season veggies to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide risotto between plates or bowls and top with sautéed veggies. Garnish with micro greens and lemon wedges before serving (optional).
Serves 4