Seafood Risotto with Peas
Highlighted under: Easy Dinner Recipes
Experience the creamy delight of our Seafood Risotto with Peas, a dish that combines fresh seafood and tender peas for a flavorful meal.
This Seafood Risotto with Peas is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that brings the taste of the sea right to your kitchen. With creamy Arborio rice and a mix of fresh seafood, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy and rich with a hint of fresh seafood
- Perfectly cooked rice with a delightful texture
- Quick to prepare for a weeknight dinner or special occasion
The Perfect Comfort Food
Seafood Risotto with Peas is a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. The creamy texture of the Arborio rice creates a warm, inviting experience that makes you feel at home. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors, with the fresh seafood bringing a taste of the ocean right to your plate. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something hearty yet sophisticated.
Risotto is not just about its creamy consistency; it's also about the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the peas perfectly complements the briny seafood, creating a harmonious dish that tantalizes your taste buds. When prepared correctly, risotto should have a slight bite, or 'al dente' texture, which enhances its overall appeal and ensures a satisfying dining experience.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
One of the best features of our Seafood Risotto with Peas is how quickly it can be prepared. In just 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet meal ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients allows you to whip up this dish without spending hours in the kitchen, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Moreover, the process of making risotto can be quite meditative. Stirring the rice and gradually adding the broth allows you to engage with the cooking process fully. It’s an excellent way to unwind after a long day while still creating a delicious meal that your family or guests will appreciate.
Elevate Your Dining Experience
Serving Seafood Risotto with Peas at your dinner table elevates any occasion. Its elegant presentation, garnished with fresh parsley, and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen will impress your family and friends alike. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, making it a perfect centerpiece for special gatherings or celebrations.
Pair this risotto with a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors further. The acidity of the wine complements the richness of the dish, creating a sophisticated pairing that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills. With a little attention to detail, you can turn a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious Seafood Risotto with Peas:
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and calamari)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delicious Seafood Risotto with Peas:
Prepare the Broth
In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Toast the Rice
Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly golden.
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice.
Add Broth Gradually
Add a ladle of warm broth to the rice, stirring constantly until absorbed. Repeat this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
Incorporate Seafood and Peas
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed seafood and peas. Stir gently to combine.
Finish with Butter
Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your homemade Seafood Risotto with Peas!
Storing and Reheating Risotto
If you find yourself with leftover Seafood Risotto with Peas, storing it properly is key to maintaining its creamy texture. Allow the risotto to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive its creaminess.
Keep in mind that risotto is best enjoyed fresh, as it tends to thicken when stored. If you know you won't finish the dish, consider serving smaller portions or making half the recipe to avoid leftovers.
Variations to Try
While our Seafood Risotto with Peas is a standout dish, there are numerous variations to explore. For a richer flavor, consider adding saffron to the broth, infusing the dish with a beautiful golden color and unique taste. Alternatively, you can experiment with different seafood combinations, such as adding lobster or crab for a luxurious twist.
Vegetarians can also enjoy a delightful risotto by substituting the seafood for an array of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, or even roasted butternut squash. This way, you can create a creamy risotto that caters to different dietary preferences while maintaining the comforting essence of the dish.
Nutritional Benefits
Seafood Risotto with Peas not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers several nutritional benefits. Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Meanwhile, peas are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, making this dish a wholesome choice for a balanced meal.
Incorporating vegetables into your diet is crucial, and the addition of peas in this risotto provides a pop of color and nutrients. This dish allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on health, proving that comfort food can also be nutritious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood works well. Just make sure to thaw it before adding to the risotto.
→ What type of rice is best for risotto?
Arborio rice is the best choice for risotto due to its high starch content, which creates a creamy texture.
→ Can I make this risotto vegan?
Yes, you can replace seafood with mushrooms and use vegetable broth without butter for a vegan version.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Seafood Risotto with Peas
Experience the creamy delight of our Seafood Risotto with Peas, a dish that combines fresh seafood and tender peas for a flavorful meal.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Easy Dinner Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and calamari)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly golden.
Pour in the white wine and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice.
Add a ladle of warm broth to the rice, stirring constantly until absorbed. Repeat this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed seafood and peas. Stir gently to combine.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g