Risi E Bisi (Rice & Peas)

This came from a very cool looking cooking site by someone named Patty (cookingwithpatty.com) who says, "This is a classic from my region of Italy. The name Risi e bisi is dialect, the Italian name would be Riso e Piselli," and continues, "Unlike risotto, a riso (rice) dish would be soupier so it is a little easier to prepare. Attention, soupier but not soup. If you want to make it a little bit lighter just use oil in place of the butter to fry the onion and don't add butter in the end. In my region the most used rice is Vialone Nano, it is particularly big with a rounded shape with a medium length. In any case Arborio and Carnaroli work well too."

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  cups  vialone nano rice
• 3  cups fresh peas or 3  cups  frozen peas
• 1  small  white onion, finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  quart vegetable broth

Directions

1. In a large non stick pan sauté the onions in the butter and oil until they're translucent being careful not to brown them.
2. Add the peas and a half cup of the broth and cook them for about five minutes.
3. Add approximately one quart of broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the rice and mix in well. Continue cooking until the rice is ready mixing often.
5. If the rice gets too dry add some more broth.
6. Mix in 1 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup grated parmesan. Serve hot.