Arancini, also known as rice balls or supplì, are a delectable Italian dish that combines the flavors of creamy risotto, savory fillings, and a crispy fried coating. Originating from Sicily, these bite-sized delights are made with leftover risotto, which is then coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. Arancini are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, meat, vegetables, and spices, offering a wide range of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we present three irresistible arancini recipes that showcase the versatility of this dish:
1. **Classic Ham and Cheese Arancini:**
This recipe presents the timeless combination of ham and cheese, nestled within a creamy risotto filling. The ham provides a salty and smoky flavor, while the cheese melts into a gooey, stretchy delight. These arancini are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or as an appetizer for your next party.
2. **Seafood Arancini:**
For seafood lovers, this recipe tantalizes with a medley of shrimp, calamari, and mussels, all enveloped in a flavorful seafood risotto. The briny sweetness of the seafood harmonizes perfectly with the creamy risotto, creating a delightful bite that transports you to the shores of Italy.
3. **Vegetable Arancini:**
This vegetarian-friendly recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables. A colorful assortment of bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots is combined with a hearty mushroom risotto, resulting in a healthy and delicious arancini that is packed with nutrients and flavor.
Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and stunning photos to guide you through the process of making these delectable treats. Whether you prefer the classic ham and cheese combination, the seafood medley, or the vibrant vegetable filling, these arancini recipes will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
ARANCINI RICE BALLS
Children and adults love these cheesy Arancini rice balls. They're such a treat fresh off the stove stuffed with glorious gooey cheese.
Provided by Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Categories Medium
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Using a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with tight fitting lid, over medium/high heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter. When hot, stir in diced onion and sautee until soft and golden (4-5 min). Add finely diced ham and cook another 2 min or until golden. Add rice and stir to coat with oil.
- Pour in 1 cup white wine and cook until mostly evaporated (2 min). Add 5 cups hot low sodium chicken broth and 1 tsp salt then cover and simmer until liquid has been absorbed by the rice (about 15-17 min). Stir in the peas in, then cover with a tight fitting lid and finish cooking (2 min). Rice should be soft and the liquid mostly absorbed. Spread rice mixture onto a large rimmed baking dish to cool.
- Once rice is at room temperature, stir in 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley and 1 cup parmesan cheese. Form rice balls with wet hands, using a heaping ice cream scoop for each. Stuff each rice ball with a cube of mozzarella cheese and form a tight ball with the rice mixture to enclose the cheese.
- Set up 3 shallow bowls, the first one to have 1 cup flour, the second with 3 beaten eggs, the third with 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs. Dredge each rice ball in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip one-by-one in the beaten egg allowing excess egg to drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll balls in breadcrumbs until evenly coated. It's best to roll and bread all of the rice balls before beginning frying since the frying is quick.
- Add an inch of vegetable oil into a deep pot over medium heat. Once oil is hot (350˚F), add the breaded rice balls in batches without crowding the pot and cook about 3 min total per batch, turning to get all sides golden brown. Transfer to paper towels, sprinkle right away with salt and serve warm with marinara.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 190 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 33 mg, Sodium 384 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
FRIED RICE ARANCINI
With a little Italian influence, leftover fried rice is transformed into crunchy, golden brown nuggets similar to arancini (fried balls made from Arborio rice). Dip them in duck sauce or even some hot mustard if you have a few packets kicking around.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Fill a large pot halfway with oil and attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side. Heat over medium high to 350 degrees F. Line a plate with paper towels.
- Mix the panko and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
- Mix together the fried rice, flour, chile sauce, soy sauce and egg in a large bowl until creamy and very well combined. With damp hands, form the mixture into eight 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in the panko mixture and transfer to a plate. Working in batches, carefully fry the balls until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the prepared plate to drain. Sprinkle with salt and serve with duck sauce for dipping, if desired.
DEFALCO'S ITALIAN ARANCINI (RICE BALLS)
Provided by Guy Fieri
Categories appetizer
Time 1h10m
Yield about 11 Arancini
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook the rice according to the package directions. I prefer to use a chicken stock to cook the rice, as it adds more flavor. Once cooked, cool slightly. Stir in the Parmesan, butter and egg yolk. Cover and refrigerate until cooled.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain and transfer to a bowl. Stir in the peas, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Let cool, then add the Fontina and mix together.
- Shape the rice mixture into 11 patties. Place one heaping tablespoonful of meat filling in the center of each patty. Shape rice around filling, forming a ball.
- Place the oil in a large pot, making sure not to fill pot more than halfway, to prevent spillage. Heat to about 375 degrees F.
- Place the bread crumbs and egg whites in separate shallow bowls. Dip the rice balls in egg whites, then roll them in bread crumbs. Heat the oil on the stove to about 375 degrees. Be sure not to fill pot more than half way with oil, to prevent spillage. Fry the rice balls, a few at a time, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot plain, or with your favorite tomato sauce. Garnish with parsley.
ARANCINI BALLS
Adapt these arancini rice balls to your liking: add fresh herbs, sundried tomatoes or chopped ham. You can also make the balls from leftover cold risotto
Provided by Esther Clark
Categories Dinner, Lunch, Starter
Time 1h45m
Yield Makes 18
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat the oil and butter in a saucepan until foamy. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and fry gently over a low heat for 15 mins, or until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another min. Stir in the rice and cook for a further min, then pour in the wine. Bring to the boil and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Pour in half the stock and simmer, stirring continuously, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add the remaining stock a ladleful at a time as the rice absorbs the liquid, stirring, until the rice is cooked through (this should take about 20-25 mins). Stir in the parmesan and lemon and season to taste. Spread the risotto out into a lipped tray and leave to cool to room temperature.
- Scoop the cooled risotto into 18 equal portions - they should be slightly larger than a golf ball. Flatten a risotto ball in your hand and put a piece of the mozzarella in the centre, then enclose the cheese in the rice and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining risotto balls.
- Put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls. Dip each prepared risotto ball into the flour, followed by the eggs and finally, the breadcrumbs. Transfer to a tray and set aside.
- Half-fill a large, heavy-based saucepan with vegetable oil and heat over medium-low until it reads 170C on a cooking thermometer or until a piece of bread turns golden brown in the oil within 45 seconds. Lower the risotto balls into the oil in batches and cook for 8-10 mins, or until golden brown and melted in the centre. Set aside on a tray lined with a clean kitchen towel.
- Eat the arancini warm, or serve with a basic tomato sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 calories, Fat 11 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 29 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 1 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, Sodium 0.7 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your arancini will be. Use fresh, flavorful rice, good quality ham and cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce.
- Cook the rice properly: The rice should be cooked until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help the arancini hold their shape when they are fried.
- Let the rice cool completely: Before you start making the arancini, let the rice cool completely. This will make it easier to handle and will help the arancini hold their shape.
- Use a light touch when shaping the arancini: Don't pack the rice too tightly, or the arancini will be dense and heavy. Gently shape the rice around the filling, leaving a small hole in the center.
- Fry the arancini in hot oil: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop the arancini in. This will help the arancini cook evenly and prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
- Drain the arancini on paper towels: After frying, drain the arancini on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Conclusion:
Arancini are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect arancini at home. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give arancini a try!
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