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Chapter 2: Soups, The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

Chapter 2: Soups, the Complete Mediterranean Cookbook recipe image
This hearty Mediterranean-inspired soup combines the comforting richness of risotto with the freshness of snow peas. The dish starts with a flavorful base of saut&# 195;©ed pancetta and onions, creating a savory depth that permeates the creamy Arborio rice. As the rice cooks in broth and wine, it releases its natural starches, resulting in a luxurious, velvety texture without heavy cream. The addition of fresh snow peas adds a vibrant pop of green and a crisp-tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice. It’s an elegant yet approachable meal, perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weeknight treat. The balance of salty pancetta, aromatic garlic, and fresh vegetables makes every spoonful satisfying and complex.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories: 540.8
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This hearty Mediterranean-inspired soup combines the comforting richness of risotto with the freshness of snow peas. The dish starts with a flavorful base of saut&# 195;©ed pancetta and onions, creating a savory depth that permeates the creamy Arborio rice. As the rice cooks in broth and wine, it releases its natural starches, resulting in a luxurious, velvety texture without heavy cream. The addition of fresh snow peas adds a vibrant pop of green and a crisp-tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice. It’s an elegant yet approachable meal, perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weeknight treat. The balance of salty pancetta, aromatic garlic, and fresh vegetables makes every spoonful satisfying and complex.
Ingredients
  • 6 Cups water
  • 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 8 Ounces snow peas, chopped
  • 1 Small onion, chopped
  • 1 Carrot, chopped
  • 1 Garlic clove, lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoons Salt
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Onion, chopped fine
  • 2 Ounces pancetta, chopped fine
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cups Arborio rice
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large pot, combine 6 cups water, chicken broth, chopped carrot, crushed garlic clove, salt, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and keep warm on low heat.
  2. 2
    In a separate large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3
    Add the chopped pancetta and cook until crispy and browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. 4
    Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
  5. 5
    Stir in the minced garlic clove and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. 6
    Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir to coat with the oils, toasting lightly for 2 minutes.
  7. 7
    Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir constantly until the liquid is fully absorbed by the rice.
  8. 8
    Begin adding the warm broth mixture one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is mostly absorbed before adding the next.
  9. 9
    Continue adding broth and stirring for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente) and the mixture is creamy.
  10. 10
    Stir in the chopped snow peas and cook for the final 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
  11. 11
    Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and taste to adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  12. 12
    Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 540.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15.5g24%
Saturated Fat 2.6g13%
Cholesterol 22.2mg8%
Sodium 4932.7mg206%
Total Carbohydrate 86.7g29%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g103%
Sugars 13.4g
Protein 23.4g47%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: risotto, soup, arborio, pancetta, snow peas, mediterranean, comfort food, garlic, onion, wine, broth, dinner, vegetables, hearty, italian, rice, vegetarian option, warm, starch, olive oil
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/chapter-2-soups-the-complete-mediterranean-cookbook-6/