Arancini, a traditional Sicilian delicacy, are delectable deep-fried rice balls that offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. These bite-sized delights, also known as arancini di riso, are crafted with leftover risotto, an Italian rice dish, and then filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, peas, and ground beef. The crispy golden-brown exterior of the arancini encases a tender, flavorful interior, making them an irresistible treat. This article presents a collection of recipes that guide you through the art of preparing these Sicilian gems, providing step-by-step instructions and variations to suit your preferences. From classic arancini al burro, featuring a simple butter sauce, to innovative creations like arancini with pistachio pesto or saffron risotto, these recipes offer a delightful culinary journey into the heart of Sicilian cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these detailed recipes will empower you to recreate these delectable arancini in the comfort of your own home.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
ARANCINI
An Italian rice ball made with white wine risotto, and a gooey mozzarella center. Fantastic for lunch or dinner - can be frozen.
Provided by DEBMCD
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring until onion is soft but not browned. Pour in the rice, and cook stirring for 2 minutes, then stir in the wine, and continue cooking and stirring until the liquid has evaporated. Add hot chicken stock to the rice 1/3 cup at a time, stirring and cooking until the liquid has evaporated before adding more.
- When the chicken stock has all been added, and the liquid has evaporated, stir in the peas and ham. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Transfer the risotto to a bowl, and allow to cool slightly.
- Stir the beaten egg into the risotto. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and milk with a fork. For each ball, roll 2 tablespoons of the risotto into a ball. Press a piece of the mozzarella cheese into the center, and roll to enclose. Coat lightly with flour, dip into the milk mixture, then roll in bread crumbs to coat.
- Heat oil for frying in a deep-fryer or large deep saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the balls in small batches until evenly golden, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a low oven while the rest are frying.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 252.2 calories, Carbohydrate 18.8 g, Cholesterol 29.1 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 274 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
GINA'S ARANCINI
Made with leftover risotto, these rice balls are stuffed with prosciutto, Parmesan, and parsley. Serve them as an appetizer at your next cocktail party.
Provided by Anna Francese Gass
Categories HarperCollins Rice Prosciutto Appetizer Hors D'Oeuvre Parmesan Soy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free
Yield 6-8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine the rice and broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is soft and creamy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a small pan over medium heat and add the prosciutto. Cook until it begins to crisp, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove to a large baking sheet and let cool for 10 minutes. (Rice can be made a day ahead, cooled, and stored in the refrigerator overnight.)
- While the rice is cooling, pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) room-temperature water into a shallow bowl. Place the bread crumbs in a separate shallow bowl. Set both aside.
- Once the rice is cool, combine it with the crisped prosciutto, egg, parsley, Parmigiano cheese, and salt in a large bowl.
- Using an ice cream scoop or lightly wet hands, create a 2-inch (5-cm) round ball with the rice mixture. Make an indentation in the middle and add a cube of mozzarella cheese. Encase the cheese with rice and reshape into a perfect ball, then set on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining rice mixture.
- Using your hands, lightly wet the outside of each of the rice balls with the room-temperature water, then roll in the bread crumbs. Set them on the baking sheet.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Drop 4 rice balls into the oil (they should fully submerge) and cook until the outside is golden brown, about 3 minutes. If your pot is wide, carefully roll the rice balls in the oil to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining rice balls. They are best eaten at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if you can wait!
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: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will result in the best arancini. Look for high-quality arborio rice, fresh herbs, and flavorful cheese.
- Cook the rice properly: Arborio rice should be cooked until it is al dente, with a slight bite to it. Overcooked rice will make the arancini mushy.
- Let the rice cool completely: Before you shape the arancini, let the rice cool completely. This will help the arancini hold their shape better.
- Use a variety of fillings: Arancini can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meat, vegetables, or seafood. Get creative and experiment with different fillings to find your favorites.
- Fry the arancini until they are golden brown: Arancini should be fried until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This will help keep the filling moist and flavorful.
- Serve the arancini with your favorite sauce: Arancini can be served with a variety of sauces, such as marinara sauce, pesto sauce, or Alfredo sauce. Choose a sauce that you enjoy and that complements the flavors of the arancini.
Conclusion:
Arancini are a delicious and versatile Italian dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make delicious arancini at home. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
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