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!
This sounds super fresh and comforting—peas + mint + lemon is such a nice combo. I’m definitely trying it, especially the lemon zest part.
Wait, peas + mint in risotto sounds kinda weird to me 😅 But lemon zest might save it. How much mint do you use—like tablespoons for real?
Totally agree—mint + lemon makes it feel so light but still cozy. I’ve never tried it in risotto though, so I’m excited!
Yum!!! This was a hit with my fam. They all ate it up!! Thanks for sharing!!
Eh, I don’t see the hype. Just tastes like mushy rice to me. 🤷♂️
Love peas, love mint, but risotto is fussy. I almost gave up halfway because it felt too thick, then it loosened after a couple more ladles. Flavor is worth it.
This risotto is so creamy and delicious! The mint adds a refreshing touch.
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! 😂
This risotto was amazing! So creamy and the mint really brings out the flavors. It was a hit at dinner!
I’m glad you loved it! I added a pinch of garlic and it took it to the next level!
Mint in risotto? Really? That sounds weird.. I would never try that!
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? 🤔
Mine turned out kinda thick and not as creamy. I probably didn’t keep the stock hot or I waited too long between ladles. Flavor is good, just need technique.
Totally get that—keeping the stock hot is a big deal for risotto creaminess. I always keep the pot of stock simmering right next to me, then add ladles without long breaks.
This sounds fancy but it was actually pretty straightforward. I used homemade veg stock and the flavor was way better. Great weeknight dinner.
Yummy! I added some chicken too! Super delish!
Very easy to make! I added some chicken because I wanted some protein. Still tasty!
Not sure what went wrong, but mine turned out too watery. I didn’t like the taste of mint with the peas either. Ugh, disappoint!
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?
Simple yet elegant dish. Tastes like restaurant quality! 👍
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!
Tried this last night and it was a total disaster. my rice was still hard! Followed the steps but something went wrong.
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! ☺️
Just okay. I expected more from this, honestly. The mint was a weird texture, not my thing.
I can sort of see what you mean. Mint can be hit or miss in dishes. It wasn’t really my favorite either, but maybe with more cheese it would help?
I had a really hard time with the stock. I think i added too much? It was soupy and not good. 🙁
Peas in risotto? Who thought that was a good idea? I won’t be trying this again. Disappointing.
Is this even real food? Just rice and peas haha. Can’t believe people rave about it.
I thought it was simple, but risotto is supposed to be creamy! I love it, especially with mint. 😍
Rice and peas? C’mon, that’s not really a meal. It needs more, like meat or something.
I don’t get the hype. Mint in risotto? Really? That sounds kinda weird to me. 2 stars.
I dunno man, risotto is way too much work. Just stick to pasta, it’s easier and tastes better.
This risotto was absolutely delicious! The mint really added a fresh touch. Will be making it again!
Didn’t have peas, so I used corn. Still turned out great! Will make again.
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?
I tried this recipe but I feel like it needed more flavor. Perhaps garlic? Not bad tho but wouldn’t make it again.
I dunno, I think it’s pretty great as is. Sometimes simple is better! Plus, mint is nice and fresh.
I totally agree! Garlic would have taken this up a notch. I love garlic in everything! But it’s still a decent dish.
Tasty!
This is the best recipe I’ve followed in a while! Peas are my favorite and mixed with mint? Genius!
This is super easy! Even my kids loved it. They never eat peas but somehow they devoured this dish!
I dunno. My kids wouldn’t touch peas with a ten-foot pole! Maybe it’s a magic recipe? 🤔
Wow, that’s awesome! I’m sooo glad it worked for your kids! Peas can be tricky sometimes. Gonna try this for my picky eaters too!
Risotta? I thought we zud be making fried rice. ah well, it was straight.
This risotto is amazing! The combination of mint and peas is so refreshing. Will definitely make again!
Best meal I’ve made this week! Lemon zest is a game changer! Will definitely make again. 😍
Honestly, I didn’t think adding lemon would make that much diff. Seems like a lot of fuss for just risotto. 🤔
Lemon zest is seriously the best! I made this too, and it really does elevate the flavors. Glad you enjoyed it! 🍋
Nope, not for me. I swapped the peas for corn and it didn’t taste good.
I dunno, corn’s good too. But yeah, it’s like a whole different vibe. Not my cup of tea either.
I think corn might be too sweet for this dish. Peas really balance the flavors better! Just my opinion.
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?
This risotto was absolutely delicious! The mint really adds a unique flavor. Will make again for sure! 😊
I was a bit skeptical about adding mint, but it actually worked. Surprised in a good way!
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?
It was okay, but I felt like it needed something more. Maybe garlic? Just didn’t meet my expectations.
I think garlic would definitely add a nice punch! I always throw some in my risotto. Maybe next time!
Too much stirring, why not just boil it? Cooking should be easy!