Arancini are a delicious and popular Italian street food that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a meal. These crispy, golden-fried rice balls are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and are a great way to use up leftover rice. In this recipe, we’ll be making classic arancini filled with mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
For the rice balls, you’ll need:
- 500g Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 litre chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
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In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until translucent.
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Add the rice and stir until it is coated with the oil. Add the broth, salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Let the mixture cool completely.
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Take a handful of the rice mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and form the rice into a ball around the cheese.
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Repeat with the remaining rice mixture and cheese cubes.
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Heat the oil in a saucepan or deep fryer to 180°C. Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
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Remove the arancini with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm and enjoy!
Vegetarian/Vegan Version
To make a vegetarian or vegan version of arancini, simply omit the cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also fill the arancini with vegetables such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
Variations
Arancini can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as prosciutto, ham, beef, peas, or spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as fontina or gorgonzola. Additionally, you can serve arancini with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or aioli.
Conclusion
Arancini are a delicious and versatile Italian dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They’re easy to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a great way to use up leftovers. Try making your own arancini at home and impress your friends and family with this classic Italian dish!
FAQ
What are Arancini?
Arancini are Italian rice balls that are typically filled with a meat ragù, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Can I make Arancini without meat?
Yes, you can make vegetarian Arancini by omitting the meat ragù and filling the rice balls with cheese and vegetables.
How do I make Arancini?
To make Arancini, you will need to cook risotto rice, allow it to cool, and then shape it into balls. You will then need to fill the rice balls with a mixture of meat ragù, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying them until golden.
Can I make Arancini in advance?
Yes, you can make Arancini in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving. Simply place them on a baking tray and heat them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
How do I store leftover Arancini?
To store leftover Arancini, allow them to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Arancini?
Yes, you can freeze Arancini. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until firm, before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen Arancini?
To reheat frozen Arancini, place them on a baking tray and heat them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the breadcrumbs are crisp.
What can I serve with Arancini?
Arancini are delicious served with a simple tomato sauce, or a side salad. They are also great as part of an antipasto platter.
Can I make Arancini without a deep fryer?
Yes, you can make Arancini without a deep fryer by using a large, deep frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and fry the Arancini in batches until golden and crisp.
How do I prevent the Arancini from falling apart while frying?
To prevent the Arancini from falling apart while frying, make sure the rice mixture is cool before shaping it into balls. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help bind it together. Finally, be sure to coat the Arancini in plenty of breadcrumbs before frying them.
