Arancini
Sicilian Rice Balls
Crispy, golden-fried rice balls from Sicily, traditionally made with leftover risotto, filled with a savory ragù, sweet peas, and melting mozzarella. A perfect appetizer or street food delight.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Risotto(Leftover, cold risotto (preferably a firm, day-old risotto like a basic Parmesan or saffron risotto). Ensure it's well-chilled and firm enough to handle.)
- 200 g Ragù(A thick, cooked meat sauce (Bolognese-style works well). Ensure it's cooled and not too saucy.)
- 150 g Mozzarella(Low-moisture mozzarella, cut into small cubes (about 1cm). Drain any excess moisture.)
- 100 g Peas(Cooked or thawed frozen peas.)
- 2 Eggs(Large, for binding and breading.)
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour(For dredging.)
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs(Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crispiness, but regular fine breadcrumbs work too.)
- 1 liter Vegetable oil(Or other neutral oil with a high smoke point, for deep frying.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the risotto mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cold risotto with 1 of the beaten eggs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the egg is evenly distributed and the risotto is slightly sticky. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until very firm.
⏱️ 15 minutes active, 2+ hours chilling - 2
Prepare the filling: In a separate small bowl, gently mix the ragù, peas, and cubed mozzarella. If the ragù is very wet, drain off any excess liquid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Assemble the arancini: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first, the remaining beaten egg (seasoned with a pinch of salt) in the second, and the breadcrumbs in the third. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the chilled risotto mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of the ragù filling in the center. Carefully enclose the filling with the risotto, shaping it into a compact ball (about 5-6 cm in diameter). Ensure there are no gaps and the filling is completely sealed within the rice. Repeat with the remaining risotto and filling.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Bread the arancini: Roll each rice ball first in the flour, tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded balls on a clean plate or baking sheet. For extra crispiness (optional), you can refrigerate them for another 30 minutes before frying, or double-bread them by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Fry the arancini: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F). Carefully lower 3-4 arancini into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and heated through. The exterior should be crisp and the cheese inside should be melted.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes (in batches) - 6
Drain and serve: Remove the fried arancini from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Season immediately with a little salt. Serve hot.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the risotto is thoroughly chilled and firm. This is crucial for shaping the balls without them falling apart.
- ✓When sealing the filling, make sure the risotto completely encases the ragù and mozzarella to prevent leakage during frying.
- ✓Using panko breadcrumbs will result in a lighter, crispier coating.
- ✓Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking and browning.
- ✓If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb; it should sizzle vigorously.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian: Omit the ragù and use a mushroom or vegetable filling.
- Cheese Lover: Add a small cube of provolone or fontina cheese along with the mozzarella.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ragù filling.
- Herbaceous: Mix finely chopped parsley or basil into the risotto mixture.