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Baked Risotto With Lemon, Peas & Parmesan

Baked Risotto With Lemon, Peas & Parmesan

This Baked Risotto With Lemon, Peas & Parmesan offers a creamy, comforting dish enhanced with bright citrus notes and tender peas. Baked in the oven for effortless hands-off cooking, it achieves the perfect risotto creaminess without constant stirring. Ideal for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this vegetarian recipe combines pantry staples with fresh flavors for a satisfying and elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains & Liquids

  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup white wine (optional; can be replaced with broth)

Produce

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Dairy & Fats

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil together in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently until softened and fragrant to create a rich flavor base.
  2. Toast the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, coating each grain thoroughly with the buttery mixture. Toast for about 2 minutes until the rice edges look slightly translucent to help unlock the creamy texture.
  3. Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in the white wine (if using) and stir constantly until it reduces slightly. Then add the vegetable broth, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
  4. Bake the Risotto: Place the covered pan in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Halfway through baking, gently stir to ensure even cooking.
  5. Add Peas and Cheese: Remove the pan from the oven and fold in the frozen peas, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will warm the peas and melt the cheese, creating a luscious creamy texture.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the risotto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for a perfect finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use high-quality vegetable broth for enhanced flavor.
  • Toasting the rice before baking is essential for creamy risotto.
  • Keep the dish covered while baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
  • Freeze extra Parmesan cheese for future use; it freezes well.
  • Stir gently after baking to maintain creamy texture without breaking rice grains.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked risotto, lemon risotto, peas risotto, parmesan risotto, creamy risotto, vegetarian risotto, easy risotto, oven risotto