Herby Rice Salad With Peas And Prosciutto Recipes

HERBY RICE SALAD WITH PEAS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Prepare the rice: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it. Stir in the rice. When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook the rice at a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender but still a bit firm and not at all mushy. Drain the rice in a colander set in the sink, then transfer it to a large bowl. You can refrigerate it after this step or use it once it has cooled completely.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the peas, olive oil, sliced onion, lemon zest and juice, red-pepper flakes and ½ teaspoon salt. Allow to marinate, refrigerated, for 20 minutes or up to 3 days.
• Remove the sliced onion from the pea mixture and discard. Add 5 cups of the cooled or refrigerated rice to the pea mixture, along with the basil, mint, parsley and chives; toss gently to combine. Taste for salt and lemon juice. This is important - get it the way you want it. If the ratio needs a bit more rice, add it from whatever is left. (You should have another cup or so.) You may also wish to add more herbs.
• Serve in shallow bowls, draping a couple of slices of prosciutto alongside for each person. Alternatively, a spoonful of really good ricotta on top is also delicious. Or, serve with both prosciutto and ricotta - although vegetarians and vegans will enjoy this dish without the meat or dairy. Set out lemon wedges to squeeze to taste.

RISOTTO WITH PEAS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Bring broth to a simmer in a saucepan and keep at a bare simmer, covered.
• Cook onion in 2 tablespoons butter in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
• Add wine and simmer, stirring, until absorbed.
• Stir in 1 cup simmering broth and cook at a strong simmer, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed.
• Continue simmering risotto and adding broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition become absorbed before adding next, until rice is just tender and creamy but still al dente, 18 to 20 minutes (there will be leftover broth).
• Stir in peas, prosciutto, zest, 2/3 cup cheese, parsley, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
• If necessary, thin risotto with some of remaining broth.
• Serve immediately, with remaining 1/3 cup cheese.
• Serves 4 as an entree or 6-8 as a side dish.