Instructions: Cook rice in 2 cups salted simmering water until water is absorbed (about 20 minutes).

Fluff and let cool.

Cook peas in salted boiling water for 3 minutes.

Drain and let cool.

In a large bowl combine rice peas olives onion parsley and ham or chicken.

In a small bowl whisk all dressing ingredients together.

Toss with rice mixture.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Veneto is Italys north eastern most region stretching from the sea deep into the mountains. It has a varied climate and an equally diverse cuisine but its culinary pride is risi e bisi a mixture of rice and the spectacularly sweet peas of the region. Purists once insisted that for complete legitimacy the peas must be grown between the towns of Chiogga and Burano. The dish sounds simple enough but it is not without controversy. Its a vegetable dish say some; no its a soup contend others. Although our version seems decidedly un souplike we know better than to enter this Venetian fray. Lets just say that for our risi e bisi you need a fork.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.