April 25 in Venice is a day of festivity and celebration, uniting the religious festivities associated with St. Mark, the city's patron saint, with celebrations of the Liberation.
Among the highlights of this special day is a particularly beloved culinary tradition: the consumption of Risi and Bisi Venice, a dish that carries with it all the essence and atmosphere of spring.
Risi and Bisi Venice: presentation
Risi and Bisi Venice is more than just a dish; it is a symbol of connection with nature, tradition, and celebration of life.
On St. Mark's Day on April 25 in Venice, this dish delights palates and warms hearts, confirming its status as a timeless Venetian culinary essence.
Risi and Bisi Venice: The story behind the dish
The link between St. Mark's Day and the consumption of Risi e Bisi Venezia is said to be rooted in ancient Venetian legends.
While some sources identify it as a staple of the official April 25 banquet, it remains undeniably an unparalleled dish of spring first fruits.
This dish is steeped in history and tradition, reflecting the unique culinary culture of the Veneto region.
The meaning of springtime in Risi and Bisi Venice
Risi and Bisi Venice is not just a dish, but a celebration of the spring season. “Bisi,” the dialect term for peas, is one of the freshest first fruits of the spring season.
These fresh legumes, together with rice, create a tasty combination that represents the rebirth of nature after winter.
In regional cuisine, similar dishes celebrate fertility and good luck, combining fresh flavors and ancient traditions.
Risi e Bisi Venezia: The ingredients and recipe
Here are the ingredients needed to prepare Risi and Bisi Venice:
500 grams of fresh peas
500 grams of vialone nano rice
2 fresh white onions
5 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
50 grams of butter
5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Chicken broth (prepared with celery, carrots, onion, garlic and salt)
Salt and pepper to taste
The preparation of Risi and Bisi Venice
Risi and Bisi Venice is a unique combination of soup and risotto, characterized by a perfectly balanced texture.
While recipes may vary slightly, they all converge on one key point: the use of fresh peas and high-quality rice.
The broth, carefully prepared using all parts of the pea, contributes depth of flavor to the dish. Some variations include pancetta, lard or prosciutto, adding additional layers of flavor to the preparation.
Risi and Bisi Venice: A symbol of abundance and prosperity
The expression “un riso un biso” reflects the idea of a perfect proportion between rice and peas, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
This dish is not just a meal, but a culinary expression of the richness of the land and its traditions.
The tradition of “Mangiar del Doge”: Risi and Bisi Venice at the Doge's Palace
The history of Risi and Bisi Venice is steeped in tradition and prestige, embodying the royal taste of the Most Serene Republic.
According to some historical sources, this delicious dish was the princely culinary offering presented to the Doge and other important dignitaries of the city on St. Mark's Day itself, adding a touch of majesty to the celebrations.
The Doge's dish: Royalty and peasant taste
Risi e Bisi Venezia, although a dish of peasant origin and based on simple ingredients such as rice and peas, took on a royal slant when served to Venice's political leadership.
This combination of seasonal flavors and aristocratic prestige made it not only a hearty meal, but a symbol of status and sophistication.
The Doge's Recipe: A Refined Version
A recipe filed with the Venice Chamber of Commerce in 2013 reveals the secrets of this preparation.
The ingredients, all carefully selected, include fresh peas, vialone nano rice, white onions, olive oil, parsley, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and, of course, a homemade chicken stock.
The secret of preparation
The preparation of Risi and Bisi Venice requires care and patience. First, an aromatic chicken broth is prepared, which gives depth of flavor to the dish.
Next, fresh peas are sautéed along with onions and parsley, creating an aromatic base for the rice.
Once the rice is added, you continue cooking by gradually adding the previously prepared broth until the rice reaches the desired consistency.
Finally, you mantle the dish with butter and grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the salt and pepper.
Risi and Bisi Venice: The taste of venetian prestige
The end result is a dish that embodies the cultural and gastronomic richness of Venice.
The combination of al dente rice, tender peas, and aromatic flavors of the broth creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Served in a setting as majestic as the Doge's Palace, Risi e Bisi becomes not just a meal, but a work of culinary art that celebrates the greatness of the Serenissima Republic.