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Arancini

Delicious Arancini: Crispy Italian Rice Balls You'll Love

Delight in these flavorful arancini, crispy Italian rice balls that offer a surprising gooey cheese filling with every bite.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 arancini
Course: APPETIZERS
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Provides creaminess and moisture to the filling.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Adds a gooey texture; substitute with provolone for a sharper taste.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Enhances flavor with a mix of herbs.
For the Coating
  • 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs Creates a crunchy texture on the outside.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Helps with dredging the rice balls.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds the ingredients together.
For the Base
  • 3 cups Cooked Risotto Acts as the base for the rice balls; chilled beforehand.
For Frying
  • 2 cups Canola Oil Used for frying to achieve a crispy exterior.

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • deep pan
  • measuring cups
  • Mixing spoons
  • whisk
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

How to Make Arancini
  1. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning until well-combined.
  2. Arrange your workspace with three bowls: one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, one with all-purpose flour, and the third with whisked eggs.
  3. Take 2-3 tablespoons of chilled risotto and flatten it in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center, then wrap the risotto around the cheese and gently shape it into a ball.
  4. Roll each ball in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
  5. Place the coated arancini in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes as you heat your oil.
  6. In a deep pan, heat 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the arancini in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  7. For a healthier version, air fry your arancini at 400°F for 10 minutes until crispy, or bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1aranciniCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving for an added zing. Utilize variations to experiment with different fillings such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

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