Arancini are delicious Italian rice balls traditionally filled with various flavorsome ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables. They originated from Sicily and consist of breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, milk, tomato sauce, meat, peas, and a variety of other components all held together by a soft, creamy center made from leftover cooked rice. The name “Arancini” derives from the Italian word for orange, as they resemble this fruit when prepared due to their shape and golden-hued crust.
To cook Arancini, here is a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cooked white rice (leftover or freshly cooked)
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup finely chopped prosciutto, ham or any other cold cuts you prefer
– ¼ cup peas (frozen or fresh)
– 1 egg, beaten with a pinch of salt
– ½ cup all-purpose flour, for rolling the balls
– 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Steps:
1. Combine the cooked rice, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto or ham, peas, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
2. Form small balls with about 2 tbsp of the mixture, making sure to enclose a little bit of mozzarella cheese in each one (this will create the melty, gooey center when cooked).
3. Roll the formed rice balls in flour, then dip them in the beaten egg and finally roll them in breadcrumbs until they are completely coated. This crunchy exterior provides a tasty contrast to the soft interior.
4. Fry the arancini in vegetable oil over medium heat until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this may cause the temperature to drop and result in less crisp rice balls.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade Arancini as an appetizer or a main course with marinara sauce for dipping!
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