Pea and Mint Risotto is a vibrant, creamy dish that captures the essence of spring in every spoonful. The sweet pop of fresh or frozen peas combined with the cool brightness of mint brings a refreshing twist to traditional risotto. Creamy, comforting, and bursting with green, this dish is perfect for warmer days when you want something satisfying yet light.
The base of the risotto is made using Arborio rice, which slowly releases its starch as it’s stirred, creating a naturally rich and velvety texture without needing heavy cream. The peas, added near the end of cooking, provide a tender bite and delicate sweetness that balances the richness of the rice. Fresh mint is stirred in just before serving, lifting the flavor with its herbal brightness and turning the dish into something that feels garden-fresh and modern.
Pea and Mint Risotto is delicious on its own but also pairs beautifully with lemony grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a side of sautéed greens. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of mascarpone adds depth, while a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can highlight the freshness even more. For a little extra texture, you can garnish it with pea shoots or toasted pine nuts.
This dish is as visually appealing as it is flavorful, with its soft green tones and creamy consistency. It’s a great choice for a vegetarian meal or as an elegant first course at a dinner party. And despite its refined feel, it’s comforting enough to enjoy as a simple weeknight dinner, especially when spring produce is at its peak.
Pea and Mint Risotto combines the classic technique of slow-cooked risotto with light, seasonal ingredients. It’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy, and that fresh herbs and vegetables can completely transform a traditional dish into something new and memorable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 3 cups vegetable stock warm
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
- 1 lemon juice zested
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains with the oil.
- Begin adding the warm vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked through, about 18-20 minutes.
- Stir in the peas, Parmesan cheese, mint, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
I don’t know, I think this recipe is missing something. It felt a bit bland to me. Maybe more cheese next time?
Mint and peas? Sounds weird! But I tried it and it was actually pretty good! Who knew healthy could taste nice.
Yay! I’m glad you liked it! I never thought mint would go with peas either. Gonna try this soon!
This risotto is delicious! The mint adds such a fresh flavor. I can’t believe how creamy it turned out! Will definitely make again.
Totally agree! The mint really makes a difference. I never thought to use it in risotto before. Can’t wait to try this myself!
The peas didn’t cook well. I think they needed more time? I ended up with crunchy peas, yuck!
Thought it was too bland. Added garlic and some chili flakes. Much better!
Eh, I don’t see the hype. Just tastes like mushy rice to me. 🤷♂️
Peas and mint? Not what I expected but it surprisingly worked! Who knew? Good job!
Okay, but like, how are you supposed to know when it’s done? I just guessed.
Peas are for kids, not adults. I’ll stick with my chicken Alfredo. 😝
Chicken Alfredo is great, but you should give this a chance! Peas add a nice pop of flavor! 😄
I think risotto is super overrated. It’s just rice with some stuff. But my kids finished their plates, so that’s something.
This is not risotto, it’s just green goo. Not impressed.
I think it looks delicious! Peas and mint are a fresh combo. Don’t let haters get to you!
This was so yummy! The mint really made a difference. Will make again!
I wasn’t sure if I would like this because of the mint, but it was surprisingly good. Just a bit too creamy for my taste.
This recipe is not how my grandma makes risotto. I don’t think real risotto has peas and mint 😒. Just use mushrooms next time.
Peas don’t belong in risotto! Just saying! 😂
I thought risotto was supposed to have chicken? Why are there no meat options in this? 🤔
I thought risotto was always with meat too! This seems kinda weird. Are people really eating it like this? 😕
Risotto can be made in many ways! This one is vegetarian, but you can easily add chicken if you want! 🍗
I tried making this, but it turned out too mushy. Maybe I added too much stock. 🙁
I had the same problem before! Just try adding less stock next time. It’ll definitely make a difference! 😊
Mushy risotto is a bummer. But remember, it could also be the rice. Not all Arborio is created equal!
Delicious! I added garlic for extra flavor and it was bomb! Will make again!
Garlic sounds like a great idea! I’m definitely trying that next time.
Very tasty! I used chicken stock instead of veg. Not sure if it was right but yum!
Using chicken stock sounds like a great idea! It adds more flavor. I might try that next time.
But like, isn’t risotto supposed to be vegetarian? I don’t know… seems weird to me.
I dunno… I followed the recipe but mine turned out kinda mushy. Maybe I added too much stock? 🤔
Yummy! I added some chicken too! Super delish!
Very easy to make! I added some chicken because I wanted some protein. Still tasty!
I don’t think the lemon really works with the peas, it felt kind of odd. Not sure if I’ll make it again.
I don’t really get the point of mint in risotto. Kinda weird, right?
This risotto was so creamy, I loved it! The mint adds a fresh twist. Definitely a keeper! 🥳
This risotto is amazing! The mint gives it such a fresh flavor. Definitely gonna make it again!
Really loved this recipe! I added some garlic for extra flavor too.
Yum! So good! I added garlic too and it made it even better!
This risotto turned out AMAZING! The mint adds such a fresh flavor. Will definitely make again!
Wow, who knew peas and mint could taste so good together? Might become a regular meal for me!
Super easy to make! I even subbed some things because I didn’t have mint, and it still turned out great! ☺️
Yum! Perfect for a summer dinner. Peas and mint are a good match, who knew?
I totally agree! I’ve never thought about using mint with peas, but it sounds delicious!
No way. This was too hard to make. I don’t have time to stare at a pot! 🙁
Perfect for a nice dinner! Creamy and tastes fresh.
It was okay, but I don’t think the mint goes well with peas. Like, why would you mix those?
This is the best recipe I’ve followed in a while! Peas are my favorite and mixed with mint? Genius!
This risotto is amazing! The combination of mint and peas is so refreshing. Will definitely make again!
This is the best risotto I’ve ever made! So creamy and flavorful, especially with the mint. Five stars!
Not the best risotto I’ve had. Maybe I overcooked the rice? It was kinda mushy.
It happens! Maybe try less cooking time next time? Risotto can be tricky, but it’s such a great dish when done right!
I don’t know, the lemon felt too strong for my taste. Maybe too much zest?
I tried this but it came out too mushy. What did I do wrong? I followed the steps!
Hmm, I followd the recipe but mine turned out mushy.. should I have cooked it less? What went wrong?
Didn’t turn out right! The rice was still hard, even after 30 mins. What did I do wrong??
Not a fan. The mint is overpowering and the peas just don’t belong in a risotto. Thumbs down from me.
Simple and delicious, my kids loved it! I added chicken for protein, though.
Simple and delicious! Used fresh peas from my garden, tasted much better than frozen ones.
Came out perfect! My family devoured it! Will make again, cheers!
Absolutely loved this risotto! The mint really freshens it up. Can’t believe how easy it was!
What’s the deal with mint in this? Seems weird but I tried it & it was worth it! Yum!
I thought mint was just for tea! But wow, you really changed my mind. This recipe sounds delicious!
Risotto’s too complicated for me. I prefer simpler meals. No time for stirring forever!
I get it, risotto can be a pain! You should try a one-pot dish instead, way less hassle and still tasty!
This is the second time I tried making risotto but it just never works for me… why is it so hard!?