In an effort to always deliver new, interesting, and tasty dishes for every culinary occasion, I have a pretty good record. The percentage of wins over “egad, what in the hell is that” is definitely in my favor. But sometimes I even impress myself. And the other evening when we sat down to a dinner of Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, and Dijon Mustard (of course the recipe is on this site), this risotto dish, and a simple salad, I felt like standing up at the dinner table and taking a well-deserved bow. I didn’t of course, because Mr. C. is, I’m sure, already wondering what happened to the relatively sane woman he married. (Being quarantined has had a bit of a negative effect on me.) So, such a daring and unprecedented move might have caused him even more reason to be concerned. So, I simply sat there and listened to him tell me how greatly he had enjoyed the risotto with the lamb. But in all honesty, I had only been the technician. A good technician, but never-the-less, I had simply prepared a recipe I had found on the internet. OK, I had changed Giada’s recipe a bit. But she deserves the real praise for this dish.

Which made me start to think. How and why do any of us learn to cook? Is it by watching our parents cook while we are young? Or is it from a fear of starvation? Or learn by reading cookbooks or reading recipes on-line? Or as my case, all of the above in addition to a desire to feed my family delicious and nourishing meals? Whatever the reasons, at one time all of us were novices in the kitchen. But we are so lucky now. Because of the internet, we can all profit from other cook’s vast experience as we continue to up our own game. I know I am a far better cook because of all the knowledge and tips I have learned by reading other people’s blogs. So, I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those fine folks. But back to this recipe.

It’s divine! What a wonderful combination of flavors. And fairly simple to throw together. Yes, you have to keep an eye on it. You have to stir it periodically and add broth when needed. But if you are already doing other things in the kitchen, what’s one more simple task? And believe me, this dish is worth the effort. I hope you will give it a try. And thank you Giada for another wonderful recipe.

As always, have fun in your kitchen. Try new recipes. Some you will love, others not so much. But you will have at least broken out of the same old mold. I’m sure I’m going to offend someone by making my next statement. But make it I must! If I had to live within a strict regimen of the same dish every Monday, for example – meatloaf Monday, I’d go bonkers. I’d run screaming out the front door and never look back.

Remember, everyone loves surprises. Especially kids. And with so many fabulous recipes just waiting to be prepared, why not take a chance once in a while. And this recipe would be a good one to start with. Except, maybe not if you have young children. Mushrooms, green onions, and peas are not every young child’s favorite food. But anyone of the adult persuasion should have no problem accepting mushrooms, green onions, and peas into their lives.

So, as always, peas and love to all. (Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself!)

½ c. water

¼ c. chopped dried porcini mushrooms

2 T. unsalted butter, divided

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

4-6 thinly sliced green onions (save a tiny bit for garnish)

8-10 button mushrooms, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

¾ c. Arborio rice

¼ tsp. kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper  

⅓ c. dry white wine

3-4 c. chicken or vegetable broth

¼ c. frozen petite peas, thawed

⅓ c. grated Parmesan cheese

Bring the water to a boil in a small pan. Add the dried porcini mushroom pieces. Remove from heat and set aside. 

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Add the green onions and chopped button mushrooms; sauté until the mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the hydrated porcini mushrooms to the saucepan.   

Stir in the rice, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the rice toast for a couple of minutes. Add the wine; cook until the liquid is absorbed.

Bring the broth to a simmer in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of hot broth to the rice; simmer over medium-low heat until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Continue to cook, adding broth as needed, until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy, about 20 minutes. (The rice will absorb 3 to 4 cups of broth). Stir in the peas, Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Adjust seasoning, garnish with a bit of green onion, and serve immediately.