Description
Irresistible Italian arancini bring Sicily’s street food magic right to your kitchen, with golden crispy rice balls stuffed with melted cheese and savory meat. Creamy risotto, fragrant herbs, and a delightful crunch make these little treasures perfect for sharing with friends who crave authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked risotto (chilled)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Craft a rich filling by folding mozzarella and Parmesan into chilled risotto, ensuring even distribution of cheese throughout the mixture.
- Gently form compact spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter, carefully embedding cheese within each ball’s core.
- Create a crispy exterior by systematically coating each sphere: first dredge in flour, then immerse in whisked eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent medium heat for optimal frying conditions.
- Carefully lower breaded risotto balls into hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even golden-brown coloration.
- Rotate arancini periodically during 3-4 minute cooking process, watching for a uniform, crisp exterior with a delicate golden hue.
- Transfer fried arancini onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil, allowing them to rest briefly and maintain crispness.
- Plate immediately while hot, accompanied by zesty marinara sauce for enhanced flavor and traditional presentation.
Notes
- Cheese Selection matters greatly, so choose high-quality mozzarella and authentic Parmesan for maximum flavor depth.
- Chilling risotto beforehand helps maintain structural integrity when forming balls, preventing them from falling apart during frying.
- Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.
- Temperature control is crucial when deep-frying; maintain consistent oil heat around 350-375°F to ensure crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior without burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg