Rice Arancini

Arancini di Riso: Savory Rice Balls

I invite you to discover the magic of the Arancini di Riso recipe, a Sicilian delicacy that combines tradition with flavor. These rice balls are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a taste of vacation in the comfort of your home. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 16 arancini)

Ingredients

- 500 g rice (preferably Arborio rice for a sticky result)
- 1.2 l water
- 30 g butter
- 100 g grated Parmesan
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g mozzarella (diced)
- 100 g prosciutto cotto (diced)
- 2 whole eggs (for coating)
- Breadcrumbs (approximately 200 g)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to submerge the arancini)

A Brief History

Arancini di Riso originated in Sicily, with a rich history dating back to the 10th century. These rice balls were initially created as a way to recycle leftover risotto. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the fillings became more varied, reflecting the richness and diversity of the region's gastronomy.

Step by Step - Preparation Guide

1. Cooking the rice

Start by bringing 1.2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 500 g of rice and a teaspoon of salt. Cook the rice over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the water is completely absorbed and the rice becomes soft and sticky – about 15 minutes. It is important for the rice to be cooked correctly to achieve that ideal texture.

Helpful tips:
- You can check the rice's consistency starting at 10 minutes of cooking. If the water is absorbed but the rice is not fully cooked, add a little water and continue cooking.
- Using Arborio rice is essential as it has a high starch content, making it ideal for preparing arancini.

2. Combining the ingredients

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and add the butter, grated Parmesan, and egg yolks. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. This is when it starts to smell delicious!

3. Cooling the rice

Transfer the rice mixture to a large plate, spreading it out evenly. Allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial, as warm rice will be difficult to shape into balls.

4. Preparing the fillings

While the rice cools, prepare the filling by cutting the mozzarella and prosciutto cotto into small cubes. These ingredients will add a wonderful flavor to your arancini!

5. Forming the rice balls

Once the rice has cooled, take a small portion and shape it into a ball in your palm. Make a dent in the middle and place a few cubes of mozzarella and prosciutto inside. Seal the rice ball well, ensuring that the filling is completely covered.

6. Coating the arancini

In a bowl, beat the two whole eggs. Roll each rice ball in the beaten egg and then in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. This crust will become crispy and delicious during frying.

7. Frying the arancini

Heat the oil in a deep pan, enough to submerge the arancini. The ideal frying temperatures are between 170-180°C. Carefully add the rice balls, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Frying tips:
- To check if the oil is hot enough, toss in a piece of bread; if it rises to the surface and turns golden in a few seconds, the oil is ready.
- Don't forget to drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serving and Suggestions

Arancini di Riso are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh tomato sauce or a garlic yogurt dip. You can experiment with various sauces, such as pesto or aioli, to add an extra burst of flavor.

Variations

These rice balls are extremely versatile! You can try different fillings, such as:
- Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and parsley
- Spiced ground meat
- Roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice should I use?
It is best to use Arborio rice, but you can also use other types of high-starch rice.

Can I prepare arancini in advance?
Yes, you can shape the rice balls and freeze them before frying. When you're ready to serve, fry them directly from the freezer.

What are the nutritional benefits of arancini?
They contain carbohydrates from rice, protein from mozzarella and prosciutto, as well as healthy fats from the oil used for frying. Of course, moderation is key.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Arancini di Riso are more than just a recipe; they are a culinary experience. Whether you share them with friends or enjoy them alone, these rice balls are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!