Risi e bisi with parma ham (Italian rice and peas)

Method

1. Heat 25g butter in a deep frying pan over a medium heat, then fry 3 chopped shallots and 2 crushed garlic cloves until very soft. Stir in 200g arborio rice, then add a grana padano cheese rind (if you have one).
2. Ladle in 1.2 litres hot chicken stock, a little at a time, only adding more when the stock has been absorbed. When the rice is almost cooked, add all the remaining stock and 400g frozen peas, then simmer for 2 minutes (the dish should be quite soupy).
3. Remove the cheese rind (if using), stir in 50g grated grana padano, then season. Fry 4 parma ham slices until crisp, then snap into shards. Ladle the risi e bisi into bowls, then top with the ham, a little grated lemon zest, a glug of olive oil and fresh basil.
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