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Rice with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Peas
© Melanie Acevedo

Rice with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Peas

Contributed by Quick From Scratch One-Dish Meals
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST

Arborio rice, familiar from risotto, is simply boiled here and then tossed with peas, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, and prosciutto. As soon as the mozzarella hits the heat, it melts to a delicate net that holds all the ingredients together.

  1. 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
  2. 1/2 cup frozen petite peas
  3. 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
  4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  5. 3 tablespoons butter
  6. 3 ounces sliced prosciutto, cut into thin strips
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  1. Stir the rice into a medium pot of boiling, salted water and cook until almost done, about 15 minutes. Stir in the peas. Cook until the peas and rice are just done, about 2 minutes longer. Drain.
  2. Put the rice and peas back in the hot pot. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, butter, prosciutto, salt, and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes

Variations

• Vary the herb here if you have access to a good fresh one. Chopped mint, chervil, sage, or fennel leaves would all be excellent.

For a sharper-tasting dish, substitute 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano for the grated Parmesan, or use a combination of the two.

Fresh Mozzarella Fresh mozzarella is a soft, mild white cheese that combines well with strong-flavored ingredients. The cheese, which is formed into a ball and usually packed floating in water in a plastic tub, is available both salted and unsalted. We find the unsalted variety too bland; a light salting brings out the cheese's elusive fresh-milk flavor.

Suggested Pairing

The traditional style of Italian white wines is crisp, clean, light-bodied, and fairly neutral in flavor—an ideal combination that won't overpower this dish. Soave, Frascati, and Orvieto will all work well, but a Vernaccia di San Gimignano, with its slightly fuller body and almond aroma, will be best of all.