Lemon Risotto with Fresh Fava Beans

This recipe is adapted from Anna Thomas’s book, Vegan Vegetarian Omnivore: Dinner for Everyone at the table (W.W. Norton & Company 2016). If you can get your hands on fava beans, by all means do. If not, fresh shelled peas will do just as well.

    Ingredients

    • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups peeled fresh green fava beans or green peas
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • ¾ cup finely chopped shallots
    • 8-9 cups light vegetable broth
    • 2½ cups Arborio rice
    • ¼ cup dry white wine
    • 1½ tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
    • ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

    Preparation

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    1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium sauté pan, add the garlic, and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the peeled fava beans or peas and sauté 5 minutes.

    2. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan, add shallots and sauté 7 minutes. Bring

    the vegetable broth to a simmer, cover it, and keep it hot on the lowest flame.

    3. Add rice to the shallots and stir over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine and stir as it evaporates. Add 1 cup of the hot vegetable broth, lower the heat to a simmer, and stir as the broth is absorbed into the rice. Continue adding broth, about a cup at a time, stirring almost constantly, as each is absorbed and until the rice is tender but firm and still creamy, about 25 minutes.

    4. Stir in the 2 tablespoons lemon juice and the lemon zest, Parmigiano, and then, just before serving, add a final, generous ladleful of broth. Spoon into bowls and serve with beans or peas and additional cheese.

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