Summer Zucchini and Pea Risotto

This is an absolutely tasty and refreshing risotto which is extremely easy to make. My taste buds were first acquainted with this delicious meal at a silent yoga and meditation retreat about 3 years ago, so I cannot take any credit for the delectability of this dish! I felt incredibly satisfied and light after eating this meal. The Arborio Rice allows an easy digestion whilst the remaining green vegetables pack an essential vitamin, mineral and antioxidant hit.
When I recreated this risotto at home myself, I found it made a great complimentary side to lamb, chicken or white fish and kept for about two weeks in the fridge. This is a great recipe to whip out if you have old rice in the fridge that needs to be used STAT!

Cook time approximately 45 minutes. Serves 2-3.

Ingredients

1 L Water

2 x Stock Cubes

1 cup Arborio Rice

1/4 cup White Wine or 2 x Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar

1 1/2 Leeks (trimmed and sliced)

2 x Cloves Garlic (crushed)

30 g Butter

2 x Teaspoons Olive Oil

2-3 Zucchini (courgettes) sliced

1 cup Frozen Peas (defrosted)

60 g Baby Spinach Leaves

1/4 cup Flat Leafed Parsley (coarsely chopped)

1/4 cup Fresh Mint (coarsely chopped)

Shaved Parmesan

Lemon Wedges and Fresh Cracked Pepper to serve

Method

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat with Olive Oil. Add the sliced leeks and cook until soft. Add the crushed garlic and rice and cook for approximately 2 minutes or until the rice is translucent. 

2. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water, whit wine (or vinegar) and add the stock cubes. Bring to simmer and stir regularly. Keep adding about 1/2 cup of water over time until all the water is absorbed and the rice is al dente (approximately 25 minutes).

3. Add the sliced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes or until tender, then add peas, parsley, and spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the peas have heated through. 

4. Stir through the mint and Parmesan until the Parmesan has melted through.

5. Serve with Lemon wedges and fresh cracked pepper.

Image: www.holisticyoga.net/

For more great holistic recipes or to find out more about the silent retreat I went to go to the Holistic Yoga & Meditation website here.