SPINACH ARANCINI (RICE BALLS)
I used to live in Sicily, and these were a favorite of mine! 'Arancini' means 'Little Oranges' in Italian, named so because the little breaded rice balls resemble small oranges so much. While so many versions include only cheeses and meats, this version is a delightful combination of white cheese and spinach. We love it! This can be made the night or a couple of days ahead of time, and cooked at the last minute for a surprising treat for guests. I like to serve mine on a bed of fresh Radicchio. Some people enjoy dipping them into Marinara or sour cream based dips. Enjoy!
Provided by NM Dawn
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese
Time 5h25m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Bring 4 cups chicken broth and saffron threads to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Stir in Arborio rice, return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, yet still a little firm, about 16 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook for one minute, then stir in garlic, and continue cooking until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in wine, spinach, and butter, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and fold in cooked rice and Parmesan cheese; cook a few minutes until the mixture is a little stiff. Spread onto a baking sheet, and cool in the refrigerator until completely cold, 4 hours to overnight.
- Once the rice mixture has cooled, form the arancini by enclosing a cube of mozzarella cheese in about 3 tablespoons of the rice to form a 1 inch ball; set aside. When you have finished making the balls, place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into separate, shallow bowls. One-by-one, gently roll the arancini in the flour to coat, then shake off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then roll in bread crumbs; set aside.
- Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or electric skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Deep fry the arancini 5 or 6 at a time in the hot oil until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Be sure to roll the arancini around with a metal spoon as they cook so they are evenly browned on all sides. Drain on paper towels, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.7 calories, Carbohydrate 66.8 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Fat 26.6 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 1281 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
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Nzyabake Jesca
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the arancini turned out great! They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The filling was flavorful and cheesy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Denny Granados
[email protected]These arancini were a bit more work to make than I expected, but they were worth it. They were so delicious and cheesy. I will definitely be making them again.
Ayezele Ernest
[email protected]I made these arancini for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. They were easy to make and they tasted amazing. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
RiderSixtyThree
[email protected]These arancini were so easy to make and they turned out so well! The spinach and cheese filling was delicious and the rice was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.
Miananwali 702
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the arancini turned out great! They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The filling was flavorful and cheesy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Emily hinojosa
[email protected]These arancini were a bit more work to make than I expected, but they were worth it. They were so delicious and cheesy. I will definitely be making them again.
Harris Dawar
[email protected]I made these arancini for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. They were easy to make and they tasted amazing. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Mylan Love
[email protected]These arancini were so easy to make and they turned out so well! The spinach and cheese filling was delicious and the rice was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.
Zina Abou kaff
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the arancini turned out great! They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The filling was flavorful and cheesy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Hari Nepali
[email protected]These arancini were a bit more work to make than I expected, but they were worth it. They were so delicious and cheesy. I will definitely be making them again.
Melani Alexandra
[email protected]I made these arancini for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. They were easy to make and they tasted amazing. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Holy Talking BD
[email protected]These arancini were so easy to make and they turned out so well! The spinach and cheese filling was delicious and the rice was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.
Zohiab Tariq
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the arancini turned out great! They were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The filling was flavorful and cheesy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.
Ramailo Palharu
[email protected]These arancini were a bit more work to make than I expected, but they were worth it. They were so delicious and cheesy. I will definitely be making them again.
I luv oreo
[email protected]I made these arancini for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. They were easy to make and they tasted amazing.
Davies Mulwanda
[email protected]These arancini were absolutely delicious! The spinach and cheese filling was flavorful and creamy, and the rice was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.