Italian Arancini Recipe

 

Italian Arancini Recipe

Italian Arancini are crispy, golden rice balls filled with a rich, savory meat sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Originating from Sicily, these tasty snacks have become a staple of Italian cuisine. With a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a tender, flavorful inside, Arancini are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Whether you want to enjoy a comforting treat or impress your guests with a unique Italian dish, Arancini are an excellent choice. 

 

 

Why You'll Love This 

You’ll love this Italian Arancini recipe because it offers a delicious way to enjoy risotto in a new form. The mix of savory meat sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs will leave you wanting more. Plus, Arancini are versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal. With this recipe, you can experience the authentic taste of Sicily in your own home. 

 Preparation Time: 30 minutes (prep), 1 hour (cooking), 2 hours (cooling) 

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes 

Servings: 6-8 Arancini 

Difficulty Level: Medium 

 Ingredients 

For the Risotto: 

·       2 cups of Arborio rice 

·       4 cups of chicken broth 

·       1/4 cup of white wine 

·       2 tablespoons of olive oil 

·       1 small onion, finely chopped 

·       2 cloves garlic, minced 

·       1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

·       1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 

 For the Meat Sauce Filling:

·       1 lb ground beef 

·       1/2 cup chopped onion. 

·       2 cloves garlic, minced. 

·       1 cup tomato puree 

·       1 tablespoon tomato paste 

·       1/4 cup of red wine 

·       1 cup frozen peas 

·       Salt and pepper to taste 

For the Breading

·       1 cup of all-purpose flour 

·       1 cup of breadcrumbs 

·       2 eggs 

·       Vegetable oil for frying 

 Tools 

·       Large saucepan 

·       Wooden spoon 

·       Baking sheet 

·       Deep fryer or large pot 

Directions 

Step 1 

Prepare the Risotto 

1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm. 

2. In a large saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. 

3. Add the Arborio rice and cook until lightly toasted. 

4. Add the white wine and cook until absorbed. 

5. Gradually add the warm chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and creamy. 

6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. 

7. Let the risotto cool completely. 

Step 2 

Prepare the Meat Sauce Filling 

1. Cook the ground beef in a pan until browned. 

2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, tomato puree, tomato paste, and red wine. 

3. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and becomes flavorful. 

4. Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Step 3 

Assemble the Arancini 

1. Take a small amount of cooled risotto and flatten it into a disk. 

2. Place a spoonful of the meat sauce filling in the center. 

3. Add a cube of mozzarella cheese on top of the filling. 

4. Fold the risotto over the filling and shape it into a ball. 

5. Repeat this until all the ingredients are used. 

Step 4 

Bread the Arancini 

1. Dip each Arancini ball in the flour, shaking off the excess. 

2. Dip the floured Arancini in the beaten eggs. 

3. Roll the egg-coated Arancini in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. 

Step 5 

Fry the Arancini 

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. 

2. Fry the breaded Arancini balls until golden brown and crispy. 

3. Drain the fried Arancini on paper towels. 

 

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown (per serving) 

v  Calories: 250-300 

v  Protein: 10-12g 

v  Fat: 15-18g 

v  Carbohydrates: 20-25g 

 

o   Serve Arancini hot and enjoy as an appetizer or snack. 

o   You can also serve Arancini with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad for a more filling meal. 

Tips and Variations 

·       Use leftover risotto to make this recipe easier and more convenient. 

·       Experiment with different fillings, such as ham or vegetables, to create unique flavors. 

·       For a baked version, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the Arancini for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I make Arancini ahead of time? 

Yes, you can prepare the Arancini mixture and refrigerate it for up to a day before frying. 

2. Can I freeze Arancini? 

Yes, you can freeze the breaded Arancini for up to 3 months and fry them directly from the freezer. 

3. What type of rice is best for Arancini? 

Arborio rice is the best choice for Arancini because of its creamy texture and ability to hold its shape. 

4. Can I bake Arancini instead of frying? 

Yes, you can bake Arancini in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. 

5. What is the traditional filling for Arancini? 

The traditional filling for Arancini includes a meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and peas. 

6. Can I serve Arancini as the main course? 

Yes, Arancini can be served as a main course, especially if you add a side salad or vegetables.