Reserve 1/2 cup of peas to cook for 5 minutes as garnish, right before serving.
Add 1 1/2 peas to a pot of salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove peas and shock in cold water with ice to stop the cooking and keep bright green. Pat the Peas dry with paper towels.
Add Peas, a few handfuls of fresh spinach to blender. Measure in oil, salt & pepper, and blend, adding broth if too thick.
RISOTTO PREPARATION:
Sauté shallots & garlic in 4 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Grind 6 or 7 grinds of fresh black pepper over mixture.
Stir in the arborio rice, stirring to toast the rice. This will take a few minutes.
Add wine, and scrape pan. Slowly add in warmed broth one cup at a time, stirring as needed
Continue to stir in broth until a creamy consistency, about 25 minutes.
Stir in 4 tablespoons butter, till melted. Add parmesan cheese, stirring to incorporate.
Stir in pea puree, and taste for seasoning
Cook reserved peas for 5 minutes for garnish
Stir in half and half. Keep at low heat.
Serve risotto in a bowl or on a plate, add cooked peas over the top.
Notes
Serve with grilled shrimp, chicken, or seared scallops for a complete meal!