Venetian Rice & Pea Soup

Oh my! I can't believe it! In one week, I will almost be in Venice, Italy. 

I made this incredible soup last year from my Williams & Sonoma Soup of the Day cookbook, 

I've been wanting to post it and well.... whadda ya know??

 I will get to eat authetic Venetian Pea Soup soooo soon!  

  I've been thinking about this soup a lot. But I gave up cheese for lent and there is a nice scoop of Parmesan cheese in this soup, so now I reeeeally can't stop thinking about it. 

.......mmmm...cheese.......

Okay, I am done daydreaming. Back to reality, sitting on my couch in San Diego.

Here's the lowdown on this comforting soup.

Venetian Rice & Pea Soup: 

 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 shallot, minced

1 celery rib, chopped

1/2 c Arborio rice

3 c chicken broth

2 c fresh or frozen peas

1/2 c Parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp minced flat-leaf parsley

Salt & fresh ground pepper

In a large, heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and celery and saute until the shallot is translucent (about 2 minutes).  Add the rice & cook, stirring until the grains are translucent with a white dot in the center (about 1 minute).  Um... starting to notice Williams & Sonoma likes to cook until things are translucent for some "close-to" amount of time.  

Raise the heat to a medium-high, add the broth and 2 cups water & bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the rice is tender (about 15 minutes).  Add the pears and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.  Stir in the Parmesan and parsley, season with salt and pepper and serve!

 

Your belly should now be warm & satisfied. 

Salute,

Belle