This recipe may not meet all three of weelicious’ criteria for being fast, easy, and fresh to make, but it’s too yummy not to try.
After making risotto milanese several weeks ago, I went on a risotto making binge. Kenya 
ravenously ate up the milanese version as quickly as I could churn it out. I assume he loved the creamy cheese and rice 
flavor, but I wanted to make him a slightly lighter variety with a veggie thrown in.
I would be so proud to say that I shelled a pound of peas for this recipe, but instead, I opened the freezer and grabbed a 
bag of organic peas. Regardless, whether you use fresh or frozen, this risotto is a total treat. 
Cooked with vegetable stock, it’s an excellent dish for any vegetarians be they 
little kids or adults.
Although it takes 30 minutes of constant stirring, it’s worth every 
last bite and it stays for days in the fridge.


Sweet Pea Risotto (Makes 8 Toddler Servings)

4 Cups Vegetable Stock
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Cup Arborio Rice
2 Tbsp Onion, minced
1 Tbsp Butter
1/2 Cup Peas, defrosted if frozen
1/3 Parmesan Cheese

1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable stock to a simmer (do not bring it to a boil or the liquid will start to evaporate)
2. In a 12-14 ounce skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and lightly saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the rice. Using a wooden spoon, stir the grains until toasty and opaque.
5. Add 1/2 cup of the hot stock to the rice and cook until it’s absorbed.
6. Continue adding stock 1/2 cup at a time waiting to add more stock until all the liquid is absorbed and the risotto is tender and creamy. This process should take about 20 minutes.
7. When all of the liquid is absorbed add the butter, peas and cheese and continue stirring until combined.
8. Cool to room temperature for little ones and serve (if adults are going to eat it, dig in right away!)

When I was 18 years old, I did a modeling job in Venice, Italy — one of the world’s most incredible food cities. There’s a famous restaurant there called Harry’s Bar (yes, one of Venice’s best restaurants has an American name), which serves some of the most delectable food I’ve ever tried. The entire Italian film crew ordered heavenly dish after dish for us to share family style. Salads with rich burrata cheese, pizza margherita, pasta pomodoro and the first risotto that I ever tried. I had no idea what risotto was, but I knew that it was the closest thing to heaven I’d ever tasted. I was shocked at how something that appeared so simple could be so complex in flavor.
Risotto is a rice dish made specifically with arborio rice (easy to find at most grocery stores). The arborio rice is the essential ingredient that gives it such a creamy texture. Although most of the dishes on weelicious take minutes to prepare, I personally think the 30 minutes that it takes to continually stir this dish is totally worth it. Especially if your whole family is going to be eating it!

Risotto Milanese (8 Toddler Servings)

4 Cups Chicken Broth (preferably low sodium)
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Onion, minced
1 Cup Arborio Rice
1 Tbsp Butter
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a simmer (do not bring it to a boil or the liquid will start to evaporate)
2. In a 12-14 ounce skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and lightly saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the rice. Using a wooden spoon, stir the grains until toasty and opaque.
5. Add 1/2 cup of the hot stock to the rice and cook until it’s absorbed.
6. Continue adding stock 1/2 cup at a time waiting to add more stock until all the liquid is absorbed and the risotto is tender and creamy. This process should take about 20 minutes.
7. When all of the liquid is absorbed add the butter and cheese and continue stirring until combined.
8. Cool to room temperature for little ones and serve (if adults are going to eat it, dig in right away!)