Vegan Risi e Bisi
Risi e Bisi is a beloved classic from Venice — a delicious cross between a thick soup and a soft risotto, made with rice and fresh sweet peas. This fully vegan version captures all the creamy, comforting warmth of the original without butter, dairy, or eggs. The rice cooks slowly in a rich vegetable broth until tender and creamy, while sweet peas add bursts of fresh colour and flavour. Simple, humble, and deeply satisfying — a true taste of Italian home cooking!
Shared by jessy
Time
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
easy
🛒 Ingredients
- 300 g Arborio or Carnaroli rice.. 300 g fresh or frozen green peas
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped.. 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dairy‑free vegan butter (optional, adds richness)
- 1 litre vegetable stock, kept warm
- ½ cup dry white wine or extra stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, traditional touch)
- 3–4 tbsp nutritional yeast or vegan grated Parmesan, for serving
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil and vegan butter in a wide pot over medium‑low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté gently for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent — do not let it brown.
- 2
Add the rice and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the grains turn translucent at the edges and release a nutty aroma. Pour in the wine or extra stock, stir well, and let it bubble and absorb completely.
- 3
Begin adding the warm stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is mostly absorbed before adding more. After about 10 minutes, add the peas along with the next ladle of stock.
- 4
Continue adding stock gradually and stirring for another 10–12 minutes until the rice is tender yet still has a gentle bite, and the mixture is thick, creamy, and moist — not too dry. Season with salt, plenty of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
- 5
Remove from heat, stir in the nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan, and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Enjoy! 🍚🌿