Instant Pot Pea and Mint Risotto

This risotto has a perfect balance of bright and fresh flavors with a rich and creamy texture. Perfect for spring and summer!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 339kcal

Author Gary White

Ingredients

2 cups mint leaves roughly chopped
1 ½ tsp. sea salt divided
1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 Tbsp. butter
¾ cup yellow onion
1 tsp. garlic minced
½ cup white wine
1 ½ cups arborio rice
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup Parmesan finely grated
2 cups fresh or frozen peas thawed
8 oz. sugar snap peas trimmed, blanched and halved (for garnish)
cracked black pepper to taste
crème fraîche or sour cream (to serve)

Instructions

With a mortar and pestle, pound the mint and salt into a rough paste. Add the oil, stir to combine and set aside.
Using sauté setting - melt butter, then add the onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Then add the rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring almost constantly.
Add the wine, mix well and cook for about 2 minutes (stirring frequently), until evaporated.
Pour in the stock and mix well. Lock the lid, close the vent, and cook for 4 minutes at high pressure.
Once cook time is complete, quick-release pressure, then open lid. Turn off power to avoid overcooking.
Add Parmesan and mix, then add mint paste and frozen peas and mix again. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle into bowl and top with halved peas and crème fraîche.

Notes

Expert Tips

Avoid the temptation to precook your peas. Frozen peas are blanched before they're frozen, so they are partially cooked already. And adding room temperature peas to the finished risotto will help stop the rice from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I make the mint paste without a mortar and pestle? Yes. Add the chopped mint and salt to a food processor and run on high. Then, while running, stream in the oil and continue blending until paste is smooth.

Can I use canned peas? I would not recommend using canned peas. They are fully cooked, very soft, and do not have a fresh flavor - which will take away from the final result.

Nutrition