Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe
Dinners Risotto

Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto is a vibrant, emerald-green dish that celebrates the freshness of simple ingredients. Unlike a standard risotto where vegetables are just thrown in, Gordon uses peas in two ways: whole for texture and pureed for a stunning color and intense flavor base. Often finished with mascarpone cheese and fresh mint, this dish is lighter and fresher than traditional meat-heavy risottos, making it a perfect starter or a light summer main course.

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Why You Will Love This Pea Risotto Recipe:

  • Vibrant Color: The secret pea purée turns the rice a beautiful bright green, making it visually impressive.
  • Double Pea Flavor: By using both blended and whole peas, you get a depth of sweetness that you don’t get from just tossing peas into rice.
  • Lighter & Zesty: The addition of lemon zest and fresh mint makes this risotto feel fresh and aromatic rather than heavy and starchy.
  • Quick Cooking: Peas cook instantly, so unlike roasted veg risottos, the add-ins don’t require extra prep time.
  • Vegetarian Feast: It’s a restaurant-quality meal that is naturally meat-free (if using vegetable stock).

Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Ingredients

  • 300g Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 300g frozen peas (defrosted) or fresh peas
  • 1 liter vegetable stock (high quality)
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 100ml dry white wine
  • 50g butter (cubed and cold)
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp Mascarpone cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • Lemon zest (half a lemon)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

How To Make Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto

  1. Make the Pea Purée: Blanch half of the peas (150g) in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and place them in a blender with a splash of water (or stock) and a drizzle of olive oil. Blitz until smooth. Set this vibrant green purée aside. Keep the other half of the peas whole.
  2. Prep the Stock: Pour the vegetable stock into a saucepan and keep it simmering gently on a back burner.
  3. The Base: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the diced shallot and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until soft but not browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the grains are hot and slightly translucent at the edges. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Deglaze: Pour in the white wine. Stir until it has completely evaporated and the alcohol smell has gone.
  6. Cook the Rice: Begin adding the hot stock, one ladle at a time. Stir frequently (massaging the starch out of the rice). Wait until the liquid is almost absorbed before adding the next ladle. Repeat this for about 15 minutes.
  7. Add Peas: When the rice is nearly cooked (tender but still has a slight bite), stir in the remaining whole peas. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  8. The Green Transformation: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the pea purée. The risotto will turn a stunning bright green.
  9. Finish (Mantecatura): Beat in the cold cubed butter, Parmesan cheese, and mascarpone (if using). Stir vigorously to make it creamy.
  10. Serve: Stir in the lemon zest and fresh chopped mint. Season to taste. Serve immediately.
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t Boil the Purée: Add the pea purée right at the end. If you cook it with the rice for too long, the bright green color will fade to a dull olive drab.
  • Use Frozen Peas: Honestly, frozen peas are often sweeter and better for this recipe than fresh ones unless they were picked that morning. They also retain their color better.
  • Lemon is Key: The lemon zest cuts through the richness of the starch and cheese, lifting the flavor of the peas significantly.
  • The “Wave”: The final texture should be loose enough to spread slightly when tilted on a plate. If it stands up like a tower, it’s too dry—add a splash more stock.
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

What To Serve With Pea Risotto?

  • Seared Scallops: The sweetness of peas pairs perfectly with seafood. Three pan-seared scallops on top make this a luxury meal.
  • Lamb Chops: Peas and lamb are a classic combination. Serve this as a side to grilled lamb cutlets.
  • Crispy Pancetta: For a non-vegetarian crunch, crumble some crispy fried pancetta or prosciutto over the top.
  • White Fish: A simple fillet of pan-fried Sea Bass or Cod sits beautifully on this light risotto.
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

How To Store Leftovers Pea Risotto?

  • Refrigerate: Cool quickly and store in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Freeze: Not recommended. The rice becomes grainy and the peas lose their texture.

How To Reheat Leftovers Pea Risotto?

  • Stovetop: Place in a saucepan with a splash of water or stock. Stir gently over medium heat.
  • Arancini: Leftover pea risotto makes incredible Arancini (fried rice balls). The green inside looks fantastic when bitten into.
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen on Pea Risotto ?

Yes, but with a caveat. Fresh garden peas are delicious if picked that day, but they can be starchy if they are older. Frozen peas are flash-frozen at peak sweetness, making them arguably more consistent and reliable for this specific recipe. If using fresh, boil them for a few extra minutes until truly tender.

My risotto is too thick/stiff. How do I fix it?

A risotto should “wave” when you tilt the plate, not stand up like a brick. If it’s too stiff, simply stir in an extra splash of hot stock (or even boiling water) right before serving to loosen it up.

Why is my rice crunchy in the middle on Pea Risotto?

It is undercooked. Risotto requires patience. Keep adding stock and stirring until the grain is tender but still has a slight “bite” (al dente). If you run out of stock and it’s still crunchy, keep going with hot water.

Do I really need to toast the rice for Pea Risotto?

Yes. Toasting the rice in the oil/butter for that first minute coats the grains in fat (which helps them cook evenly) and creates a nutty flavor aroma. It creates a shell that prevents the rice from turning into mush immediately.

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Pea Risotto Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bowl

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 4g

Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto Recipe

Recipe by Sophie LaneCourse: Risotto, Dinner, LunchCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

480

kcal

Gordon Ramsay Pea Risotto is a vibrant, emerald-green dish that celebrates the freshness of simple ingredients. Unlike a standard risotto where vegetables are just thrown in, Gordon uses peas in two ways: whole for texture and pureed for a stunning color and intense flavor base. Often finished with mascarpone cheese and fresh mint, this dish is lighter and fresher than traditional meat-heavy risottos, making it a perfect starter or a light summer main course.

Ingredients

  • 300g Arborio or Carnaroli rice

  • 300g frozen peas (defrosted) or fresh peas

  • 1 liter vegetable stock (high quality)

  • 1 shallot, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 100ml dry white wine

  • 50g butter (cubed and cold)

  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 2 tbsp Mascarpone cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

  • Olive oil

  • Fresh mint leaves, chopped

  • Lemon zest (half a lemon)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  • Make the Pea Purée: Blanch half of the peas (150g) in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and place them in a blender with a splash of water (or stock) and a drizzle of olive oil. Blitz until smooth. Set this vibrant green purée aside. Keep the other half of the peas whole.
  • Prep the Stock: Pour the vegetable stock into a saucepan and keep it simmering gently on a back burner.
  • The Base: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the diced shallot and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until soft but not browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the grains are hot and slightly translucent at the edges. Season with a pinch of salt.
  • Deglaze: Pour in the white wine. Stir until it has completely evaporated and the alcohol smell has gone.
  • Cook the Rice: Begin adding the hot stock, one ladle at a time. Stir frequently (massaging the starch out of the rice). Wait until the liquid is almost absorbed before adding the next ladle. Repeat this for about 15 minutes.
  • Add Peas: When the rice is nearly cooked (tender but still has a slight bite), stir in the remaining whole peas. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  • The Green Transformation: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the pea purée. The risotto will turn a stunning bright green.
  • Finish (Mantecatura): Beat in the cold cubed butter, Parmesan cheese, and mascarpone (if using). Stir vigorously to make it creamy.
  • Serve: Stir in the lemon zest and fresh chopped mint. Season to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t Boil the Purée: Add the pea purée right at the end. If you cook it with the rice for too long, the bright green color will fade to a dull olive drab.
    Use Frozen Peas: Honestly, frozen peas are often sweeter and better for this recipe than fresh ones unless they were picked that morning. They also retain their color better.
    Lemon is Key: The lemon zest cuts through the richness of the starch and cheese, lifting the flavor of the peas significantly.
    The “Wave”: The final texture should be loose enough to spread slightly when tilted on a plate. If it stands up like a tower, it’s too dry—add a splash more stock.
Sophie Lane

AboutSophie Lane

I’m Sophie, a British home cook and fan of Gordon Ramsay. I test his recipes in my kitchen and share simple, step-by-step versions anyone can make at home.