Sicilian Rice Balls – A Taste of the Mediterranean
Arancini (Sicilian Rice Balls): A Delicious Dish from Southern Italy
Arancini (Sicilian Rice Balls) is a popular dish originated in Southern Italy. These delicious rice balls are made by forming cooked risotto rice into balls and then deep-frying them to golden perfection. They are crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful combination of ingredients on the inside. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create your own authentic Arancini at home.
Ingredients
- 500g (2 1/2 cups) Arborio rice
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 100g (1/2 cup) mozzarella cheese, diced
- 100g (1/2 cup) cooked ham, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 100g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the cooked rice. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, diced mozzarella cheese, and cooked ham. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the rice mixture cool slightly, then shape it into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball.
- Dip each rice ball into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F).
- Carefully place the coated rice balls into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides. Remove from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve the Arancini hot and enjoy!
Notes/Tips
- Arancini can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main dish with a side salad.
- You can get creative with the fillings and add other ingredients such as peas, mushrooms, or even ragu sauce.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the Arancini in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.