Name: Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 300g Arborio rice; 125ml dry white wine (optional); 1L hot vegetable or fish stock; 200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined; 150g frozen peas; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 50g Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp butter; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

This Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto is a delightful combination of sweet peas, succulent prawns, and creamy Arborio rice. Packed with fresh flavors, this dish is perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.

What is Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto?

Pea and Prawn Risotto is a classic Italian dish that combines creamy risotto rice with sweet peas and prawns, enhanced with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Jamie Oliver’s version keeps it simple yet packed with bold, fresh flavors.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Rich and creamy: Perfectly cooked risotto rice with a velvety texture.
Fresh and light: Peas and prawns bring a burst of freshness to the dish.
Elegant yet simple: Ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
Easy to customize: Adjust the flavors or add other vegetables or herbs.

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Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
300g Arborio rice
125ml dry white wine (optional)
1L hot vegetable or fish stock
200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
150g frozen peas
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large saucepan or deep frying pan
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Grater

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto

Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the grains are coated and slightly translucent.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Pour in the white wine and stir until mostly absorbed. This step adds depth to the flavor, but you can skip it if desired.
Cook the Risotto: Add a ladle of hot stock to the rice and stir frequently. Allow the stock to be absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue this process for about 15 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
Add Prawns and Peas: Stir in the raw prawns and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the prawns are pink and cooked through, and the peas are tender.
Finish the Risotto: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Mix well until the risotto is rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and Garnish: Divide the risotto into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto

Green salad: A simple salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
White wine: Pairs beautifully with the flavors of the dish.
Steamed vegetables: Adds a healthy and colorful side.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto

Use hot stock: Always keep the stock warm to maintain even cooking.
Stir frequently: This releases starch from the rice, creating a creamy texture.
Don’t overcook the prawns: Add them towards the end to keep them tender.
Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding asparagus, spinach, or fresh mint for variation.

How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto?

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Do not freeze: Risotto doesn’t freeze well as it can become mushy upon reheating.

How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto?

Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of stock or water to loosen the consistency.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 400
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for pea and prawn risotto?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns for this recipe. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the risotto. This helps prevent excess water from diluting the dish.

What can I use instead of Arborio rice for risotto?

If Arborio rice is not available, you can use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, which also release starch and create a creamy texture. Avoid long-grain rice as it won’t yield the same result.

How do I make risotto creamier?

To make risotto creamier, stir frequently while cooking to release the starch from the rice. Adding a knob of butter and grated Parmesan at the end enhances the creamy texture.

Can I make pea and prawn risotto ahead of time?

It’s best to serve risotto fresh for the ideal texture. However, you can prepare the base (without adding prawns or peas) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the risotto with a splash of stock, then add the prawns and peas to finish cooking.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Pea and Prawn Risotto Recipe is a perfect balance of creamy rice, sweet peas, and tender prawns. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

Try it today and enjoy the simple yet elegant flavors of this classic risotto!

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