Arancini, also known as Sicilian rice balls, are a delectable Italian dish that tantalizes taste buds with its combination of flavors and textures. Originating from Sicily, arancini are typically made with leftover risotto rice, which is then coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior encasing a soft and flavorful interior, often filled with a variety of fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. This article presents a collection of arancini recipes that explore the diverse fillings and variations of this beloved dish. From classic arancini filled with hearty ragu and mozzarella to more innovative recipes featuring sun-dried tomato pesto or brandy-soaked raisins, these recipes cater to a range of preferences and culinary adventures. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these arancini recipes will guide you through the process of creating this delectable Italian treat in your own home.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ARANCINI
There's no way around it: To make arancini, you have to make risotto, although you could also use any kind of leftover risotto, as long as the mixture isn't loose from excess liquid. This recipe employs a simple base of Parmesan risotto that is chilled, rolled, breaded and fried, but the classic version starts with saffron risotto, which explains the Italian name arancine, or little oranges, named for their shape and hue. Simmering risotto and frying the arancini are simple tasks, but the step in between is crucial: Do not skimp on chilling your risotto. If it is not properly chilled, it will fall apart in the hot oil instead of forming crisp, glistening, orbs filled with molten cheese. Serve these arancini with warmed tomato sauce or even pesto, and crown them with a flurry of gremolata or plain lemon zest for brightness.
Provided by Alexa Weibel
Categories dinner, finger foods, grains and rice, appetizer, side dish
Time 1h15m
Yield About 2 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Prepare the risotto: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium. Add onion, garlic and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice until coated, about 1 minute, then add wine. Cook, stirring frequently, until absorbed, about 1 minute.
- Stir in 1/2 cup stock. Cook, stirring frequently, until stock is almost absorbed, about 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining stock, adding 1/2 cup at a time and stirring until absorbed before adding the next cup, about 15 minutes.
- Once all the stock has been absorbed - the rice should be tender but still slightly toothsome and the risotto creamy - stir in the Parmesan, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread out in an even layer and let cool, at least 20 minutes. Cover tightly in plastic wrap (or transfer to a lidded container) and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 2 or 3 days.
- Once the risotto is chilled, slice it into about 24 even portions. Working with one at a time, gently roll each into a ball, then press between your palms to flatten slightly. Press one cube of mozzarella into the center and shape the risotto up and over it, sealing the cheese in the center. Roll the ball in your palms until round. Repeat with remaining risotto balls. (If you're not planning to fry them right away, arrange them on a small baking sheet in a single layer, cover and refrigerate until cooking, up to 2 or 3 days in advance. If the risotto mixture isn't cold, it can fall apart in the hot oil.)
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium. (If you have a candy thermometer, now is a good time to use it: Heat the oil to about 350 degrees.)
- Prepare the breading: Add the flour to a shallow bowl, then add the eggs to another shallow bowl and beat the eggs to combine. In a third bowl, combine the panko and Italian seasoning, if using, with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
- Working with one arancini, roll it first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then in the egg, then in the panko, taking care to coat it on all sides with each roll. Transfer to a clean baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining arancini.
- Fry the arancini in batches, leaving at least one inch between each ball, until golden and crisp on the outside, about 5 minutes. (By the time the crust crisps, the cheese filling will melt.) Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining arancini. (If the crust is cooking to quickly, you can turn off the heat momentarily and continue to cook in the oil, which will maintain residual heat. Turn the stove back on if needed.)
- Spoon warmed tomato sauce onto small plates or into bowls and top with warm arancini, or set sauce in a bowl for dipping and arrange arancini on a serving platter. Sprinkle arancini with finely grated Parmesan and more parsley, if desired.
ARANCINI WITH BRANDY-SOAKED RAISINS
These Italian fried rice balls have a surprise filling of brandy-soaked raisins, which gives them a gentle sweetness that contrasts with the savory fontina and mozzarella cheeses. You can make the rice mixture up to a day ahead, and form the balls up to four hours ahead. Then fry just before serving so the cheese is warm enough to gush when you bite in.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories appetizer
Time 1h30m
Yield About 22 rice balls
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add shallots and cook with a pinch of salt until softened, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in broth and 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat to medium; simmer rice until it is al dente, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid (there won't be much liquid left). Transfer rice to a bowl.
- Rinse out the pot and return it to medium heat. Stir in the butter and cook until foaming; whisk in 2 tablespoons flour. Cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the reserved rice cooking liquid and the milk, a little at a time, until fully incorporated, then whisk in Parmesan. Season with thyme, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Fold the milk mixture in with the rice; taste and add more salt if needed. Let cool completely, then mix in the eggs. If you're not frying the rice immediately, cover the pan and refrigerate until needed, up to 24 hours.
- Warm the brandy in a small pot or microwave; stir in the raisins and soak 20 minutes. Drain.
- Place remaining 4 tablespoons flour (1/4 cup) in a small bowl; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup water until a smooth slurry forms. Place bread crumbs in a separate bowl. In another bowl, mix together the fontina and mozzarella.
- Scoop 1/4 cup of the rice mixture into your hands and form into a flat disk. Place several raisins and heaping teaspoon of cheese into the center of each patty. Mold the rice around the filling to fully enclose it and roll between your palms to form a ball (try not to get any cheese on the exterior of the ball). Dip the ball in the slurry, then into the panko mixture, rolling it around to make sure it is well coated. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. (You can refrigerate the balls for up to 4 hours if you don't want to cook them immediately.)
- When ready to fry, fill a pot with several inches of grapeseed oil and heat until a drop of water added to the pan sizzles (about 375 degrees on a thermometer). Working in batches, lower a few rice balls into the oil at a time and fry, turning occasionally, until uniformly golden, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 294, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 239 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ARANCINI
Steps:
- Bring the broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely.
- Combine the pine nuts, mozzarella, fontina and parsley in a bowl; set aside.
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl, then stir in the cooled rice, the parmesan and 2/3 cup breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture into sixteen 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Put the remaining breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Press your finger into the center of each rice ball, insert 2 teaspoons of the mozzarella mixture, then pinch the rice around the filling to enclose. Roll the balls in the breadcrumbs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover and refrigerate, at least 1 hour or overnight. (If refrigerating overnight, roll in more breadcrumbs before frying.)
- Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the rice balls, turning, until golden brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; season with salt.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your arancini will be. Use fresh, organic vegetables, and high-quality rice.
- Cook the rice properly: The rice should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. If the rice is overcooked, it will be mushy and the arancini will fall apart.
- Let the rice cool completely: This will help the arancini to hold their shape. If the rice is still warm, it will be too soft and the arancini will fall apart.
- Form the arancini gently: Don't overwork the rice, or the arancini will be tough. Gently shape the rice into balls, being careful not to compress them too much.
- Fry the arancini until golden brown: This will give them a crispy outer shell and a tender, flavorful interior.
- Serve the arancini hot: Arancini are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the fryer. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they will not be as crispy.
Conclusion:
Arancini are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a little practice, you'll be able to make perfect arancini every time.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love