Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella Recipe Guide
Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Shallow dishes for breading (one for flour, one for egg, one for breadcrumbs)
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
- For the Filling:
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- For Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs preferably Italian-style
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Gradually add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This should take about 15-18 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Once cooked, season with salt and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley (if using). Spread the rice mixture onto a baking sheet to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Form the Arancini
- Once the rice has cooled, take a small amount (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and mold the rice around it to form a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat until all rice and cheese are used.
- Step 3: Bread the Arancini
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each rice ball first in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. This will help achieve a crunchy exterior.
- Step 4: Fry the Arancini
- In a large skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few arancini in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Variations and Tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings like cooked meat, peas, or different types of cheese. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture.
- Vegan Substitutions: Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs for breading.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Arancini di Riso, or Italian rice balls, are a delightful comfort food, originating from Sicily. These crispy, golden-brown treats are typically filled with a gooey center of mozzarella cheese, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. The process of making arancini may seem a bit involved, but don’t worry once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is! From my own personal experience, these little bites are always a hit at gatherings. So, let me show you how I make these irresistible Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella.
Notes on What to Expect
When you bite into these arancini, you can expect a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the warm, melty cheese center. They’re perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or simply enjoying as is.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 1 hour (for the rice to cool)
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Intermediate
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Appetizer or Snack
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Shallow dishes for breading (one for flour, one for egg, one for breadcrumbs)
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella now.
Ingredients
For the Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Gradually add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This should take about 15-18 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Once cooked, season with salt and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley (if using). Spread the rice mixture onto a baking sheet to cool for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Form the Arancini
- Once the rice has cooled, take a small amount (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and mold the rice around it to form a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat until all rice and cheese are used.
Step 3: Bread the Arancini
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each rice ball first in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. This will help achieve a crunchy exterior.
Step 4: Fry the Arancini
- In a large skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few arancini in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Variations and Tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings like cooked meat, peas, or different types of cheese. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture.
- Vegan Substitutions: Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs for breading.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
I hope this guide has made making Arancini di Riso con Mozzarella seem a little less daunting! Have you tried making these before? Please, be honest and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>