jannababe
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Sicilian Arancini, and they turned out absolutely delicious! These golden, crispy rice balls are stuffed with a savory filling, typically a meat ragù, and mozzarella cheese. They are a beloved street food in Sicily, and making them at home was a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s how you can make your own Arancini:
Ingredients:
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice, reduce the heat, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked and the broth is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, and salt. Spread the rice on a baking sheet to cool completely.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce and frozen peas, and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the filling to cool.
3. Assemble the Arancini:
- Once the rice and filling are cool, take a small handful of rice and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling and a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully fold the rice around the filling to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining rice and filling.
4. Coat the Arancini:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well-coated.
5. Fry the Arancini:
- In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rice balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Arancini hot, either as an appetizer or a main course. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Sicilian Arancini are a delightful treat that combines creamy rice, savory filling, and a crispy exterior. They are perfect for parties, as an appetizer, or just a fun cooking project. The rich flavors and textures make these rice balls irresistible. Enjoy a taste of Sicily in your own kitchen!
The crispy outside and cheesy, savory inside must be so satisfying! Can't wait to try making these for a fun appetizer or snack! 
