Recipe Arancini Italian Rice Balls

July 26, 2023 Post a Comment

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Arancini Rice Balls Authentic Italian Recipes PizzaCappuccino from www.pizzacappuccino.com

Description

Arancini are traditional Italian rice balls that are stuffed with savory ingredients such as cheese, meat, and vegetables. They are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until they are crispy and golden brown. These delicious snacks are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and are a great addition to any party or gathering.

Prep Time

The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour.

Cook Time

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Rice Balls:

2 cups of Arborio rice
4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup of frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup of diced ham
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups of breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 can of crushed tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Large mixing bowl
Frying pan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Method

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice and stir well. 2. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the rice for 20-25 minutes, or until it is tender and has absorbed all of the liquid. 3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Spread the cooked rice out onto a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature. 5. Once the rice has cooled, add the cubed mozzarella cheese, thawed peas, and diced ham. Mix well. 6. Using your hands, form the rice mixture into balls that are approximately the size of a golf ball. 7. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. In another small bowl, add the flour. In a third small bowl, add the breadcrumbs. 8. Roll each rice ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each rice ball is well coated. 9. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rice balls to the pan in batches. 10. Fry the rice balls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the rice balls from the pan and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). 12. Bake the rice balls in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted. 13. While the rice balls are baking, make the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. 14. Simmer the tomato sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. 15. Serve the arancini rice balls with the tomato sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

These rice balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frying.

Nutrition Info

Each rice ball contains approximately 190 calories, 8 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein.

Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe? A: Arborio rice is best for making arancini because of its starchy texture, but you can use other short-grain rice if necessary. Q: Can I bake the rice balls instead of frying them? A: Yes, you can bake the rice balls in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Q: Can I freeze the rice balls? A: Yes, you can freeze the rice balls before frying them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw the rice balls in the refrigerator overnight and then fry as directed.

Recipe Tips

- Be sure to let the rice cool to room temperature before adding the cheese and other ingredients. This will prevent the cheese from melting and making the rice too sticky. - Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to help form the rice balls into even shapes. - Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the rice balls. If the oil is not hot enough, the rice balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy. - Serve the arancini rice balls with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.