SOUL PLATES

RISI E BISI (VENETIAN-STYLE RICE AND PEAS)

SERVES 4-6

“RICE MAY BE ONE OF THE SIMPLEST INGREDIENTS, BUT IT CAN TAKE ON A HOST OF TEXTURES AND FLAVOURS, FROM RICH AND CREAMY TO LIGHT AND FRESH.”

30g unsalted butter
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
100g pancetta or smoky bacon, finely chopped
1/2 cup (125ml) white wine
1¹/3 cups (295g) arborio rice
6 cups (1.5L) chicken stock
1¹/4 cups (100g) finely grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
2 tbs chopped mint leaves, plus whole leaves to serve
3 cups (360g) frozen peas
1/2 cup (125g) mascarpone
Finely grated lemon zest, to serve

Melt butter and oil in a large deep frypan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and pancetta, and cook,