Arancini Di Riso

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Arancini Di Riso

Arancini di Riso are scrumptious Italian rice balls, oozing with gooey mozzarella, savory ragu, and sweet peas, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. These delightful morsels hail from Sicily, where they were originally created to utilize leftover risotto. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that is both comforting and indulgent, making them a beloved treat for gatherings and celebrations. Serve them hot with a side of rich marinara sauce for an unforgettable experience!

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Vegetable oil
for frying
Eggs
2, beaten
Breadcrumbs
1 cup, for coating
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces, cut into small cubes
Frozen peas
1/2 cup
Tomato sauce
1 cup, for serving
Ground beef
1 cup
Onion
1 medium, finely chopped
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Salt
1 teaspoon
Water
3 cups
Arborio rice
1 1/2 cups

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the Arborio rice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
  2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas and tomato sauce, and let simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Once both the rice and meat mixture have cooled, combine them in a large bowl. Stir in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated.
  4. To form the arancini, take a handful of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully shape the rice around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
  5. Roll the formed rice balls in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
  6. In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve the arancini hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Appetizer • Prep Time: 30 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 450 • Fat: 25g • Carbs: 38g • Protein: 20g • Sodium: 400mg • Sugar: 3g