Arancini: Italian Rice Balls Recipe
Arancini, the golden-fried Sicilian rice balls, are filled with gooey mozzarella and rich ragu. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these versatile appetizers make perfect snacks or elegant starters for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup tomato sauce (optional, can include peas)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cooking the Rice: Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add Arborio rice, reduce heat, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: Take a portion of cooled rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of tomato sauce (with optional peas) in the center.
- Shape the Arancini: Carefully mold the rice around the mozzarella and sauce filling to form a sealed ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
- Bread the Rice Balls: Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs to coat, then dip into the beaten eggs, and roll again in breadcrumbs for a double coating.
- Cook: For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry the arancini until they are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the arancini from the oil or oven/air fryer and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using cold rice helps in easy shaping of the arancini.
- Double coating with breadcrumbs and eggs gives a crispier exterior.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained to get perfectly fried arancini without being greasy.
- Optional: Customize the filling with other cheeses or add cooked peas to the tomato sauce for variety.
- For a healthier alternative, baking or air frying works well with slightly less crispiness than frying.
Keywords: Arancini, Italian rice balls, mozzarella, fried snacks, appetizer, Sicilian food, crispy rice balls
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/arancini-italian-rice-balls-recipe/
