RISI BISI (Rice with Peas)

1 quart chicken broth (heated in pan)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves finely chopped garlic

1 cup Arborio rice

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup frozen petite peas

1/2 - 3/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese

Add olive oil to pan and bring to medium heat. Add chopped garlic, saute for about 1 minute.(Be careful not to burn garlic!) Add Arborio to garlic stir to toast rice slightly for about 2 minutes. Ladle in about 1/3 cup chicken broth, stir rice occasionally allowing rice to soak up most of broth. Continue to add broth 1 ladle at a time to allow rice to slowly soak up broth and become creamier until all broth is incorporated. This process will take about 20-25 minutes. Test rice for tenderness then add peas, salt, pepper and cheese. Serve at once. Enjoy!!

P.S. There are many versions of this dish including toasting rice and garlic in 1/4 cup white wine or adding different types of cheese including blue. Experiment after trying original once to make it your own.