Risi e Bisi

Risi e Bisi is the emblematic dish of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, a thick soup of rice and peas that was served every April 25th to the Doge on the occasion of the Feast of San Marco. It is neither a risotto nor a soup, but something in between with a unique consistency.

The traditional recipe calls for fresh peas from Lumignano or Borso della Grappa (among the sweetest in Italy), Vialone Nano rice, pancetta, butter, onion, and Grana Padano. The pods themselves are used to prepare the broth, imparting sweetness and aroma.

It is the dish that unites the lagoon with the mainland, the rice of the plain with the peas from Venetian gardens.