Risotto with Peas, Fava Beans, and Arugula

By lianbl88

Risotto cooking in less than 30 minutes? Use the microwave to parcook the rice, essentially giving it a head start before it hits the stove. This trick lets you make risotto with far less hands on stirring than usual.

Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup frozen fava beans, thawed
• 2 ounces (2 cups) baby arugula, chopped rough
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

Step 1

You can use frozen lima beans or an additional cup of frozen peas in place of the fava beans.

1. Microwave 3 cups broth, rice, and 2 tablespoons butter in large covered bowl until most of liquid is absorbed, 14 to 16 minutes.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add parcooked rice and remaining 1 cup broth. Bring to simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is almost tender, 4 to 6 minutes.

3. Stir in peas and fava beans and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Off heat, stir in arugula, Parmesan, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.