**Spinach Arancini Rice Balls: A Delightful Italian Treat**
Arancini rice balls are a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of rice, cheese, and various fillings into a delectable treat. These deep-fried rice balls are made with leftover risotto, typically mixed with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, and then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy outer layer that gives way to a creamy, flavorful interior.
This article presents a collection of spinach arancini recipes that offer a unique twist on the traditional dish. Each recipe explores different variations, such as using fresh or frozen spinach, incorporating other vegetables, and experimenting with different cheeses. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes provide detailed instructions to guide you through the process of making delicious and authentic spinach arancini.
From the classic Spinach and Mozzarella Arancini to the more adventurous Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Goat Cheese Arancini, these recipes cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. With helpful tips and tricks, you'll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring that every bite is a satisfying experience.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey as you explore the delightful world of spinach arancini rice balls. Let's get cooking!
SPINACH ARANCINI (RICE BALLS)
Make and share this Spinach Arancini (rice Balls) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by DeSouter
Categories Rice
Time 1h15m
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In large, deep saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the onions and saute for about 1 minute. Add the garlic stir. After another 5 minutes, add the rice and white wine and a pinch of salt stir and allow to cook down for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add 2 (8-ounce) ladles of broth. Allow to absorb into rice for about 10 minutes, stirring, then add another 2 (8-ounce ladles) of broth and allow that to absorb for about 10 minutes.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Add spinach to broth and rice and stir in with sweet butter. Add 1 cup of the Parmigiano.
- When all ingredients are hot and mixed, pour and spread onto a parchment lined cookie sheet to cool. Once cool, cover with a layer of plastic wrap to avoid skin forming and refrigerate until completely cooled and firm. Refrigerate overnight if necessary.
- When completely cooled, cover rice and spinach with remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano. With hands, roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. With fingers, make a small hole in the rice ball's center and insert 1 small cube of mozzarella, and cover with more rice.
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned bread crumbs in separate bowls. Coat each ball with flour, then with whisked egg, then with seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat with all rice balls and lay the coated balls on a cookie tray and refrigerate until ready to fry.
- In a heavy large pan, heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.
- Fry the balls, in batches, until golden brown. Remove each ball with a slotted spoon and place on parchment paper or paper towel lined cookie sheet to dry. Serve hot.
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
Tips:
- Use day-old risotto for the best results. Freshly made risotto will be too wet and sticky to form into balls.
- If you don't have any day-old risotto, you can make a fresh batch and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly before forming it into balls.
- Make sure the risotto is well-seasoned before forming it into balls. This will ensure that the arancini are flavorful throughout.
- Use a variety of fillings for your arancini. Some popular options include mozzarella cheese, cooked spinach, mushrooms, and sausage.
- Be careful not to overstuff the arancini. Too much filling will make them difficult to form and fry.
- Use a light hand when breading the arancini. Too much breading will make them heavy and greasy.
- Fry the arancini in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. This will help to keep the filling moist and prevent the arancini from falling apart.
- Serve the arancini hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Arancini are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are perfect for parties and potlucks, and they can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be an arancini recipe that everyone will love.
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