Prosciutto and Red Pepper Risotto with White Wine
A creamy Italian risotto combining savory prosciutto ham with sweet red bell peppers and white wine. The rice is slowly cooked in vegetable stock until tender and creamy, then finished with lemon juice and cream for brightness. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion meal when you want something elegant yet approachable.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 10 tbsp white wineadditional stock1:1Medium confidence for alcohol-free versionFull guide →
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 ¼ cups risotto ricearborio rice1:1High confidencearborio is a type of risotto rice
- 4 ½ oz prosciutto hampancetta1:1High confidence substitute with similar flavor profileFull guide →
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons light creamheavy cream1:1Medium confidenceslightly richer result
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Melt the butter and oil in a pan
- 2
Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic clove
- 3
Stir in the rice for 1 minute
- 4
Add all the vegetable stock and white wine
- 5
Boil and simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid disappears, stirring frequently
- 6
Add finely chopped pepper and ham then cook for a few minutes longer
- 7
Add lemon juice, salt and pepper plus stir in the cream to taste
Tips
Keep extra vegetable stock on hand to add if the mixture gets too dry during cooking
Stir frequently during the 20-minute cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
Add the cream gradually at the end and taste as you go for the perfect richness
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with additional stock to restore creaminess.
Best served immediately but can be partially prepared by cooking onions and garlic ahead.
Serve hot immediately after adding cream. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't add all liquid at once - risotto needs gradual liquid absorption for proper texture
Avoid overcooking the prosciutto to prevent it becoming tough
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without wine?
Yes, replace the white wine with an equal amount of additional vegetable stock for a similar result without alcohol.
What if my risotto gets too dry?
Keep extra warm stock nearby and add it gradually while stirring until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with additional stock to restore the creamy texture.