Different countries have a range of delicious dishes that represent the country's culture to the core. That is further divided up within a country where different regions provide their own specialties based upon tradition and availability.
Take Italy, for example. Some of the best dishes connected with Italy are lasagna, pasts carbonara, parmigiana, and risotto, just to name a few. Italy’s different areas also have their own variations of these dishes, and some even have unique ones.
One of these regions is Sicily and the unique dish is arancini di riso. If you want to know how to make rice balls like these, this simple guide can help you. Keep reading to know more.
What Is Arancini?
Arancini is basically cheese-filled deep-fried rice balls. It is a delicacy in Sicily, Italy. Each rice ball is fried into golden brown perfection, giving it a crunchy texture. Plus, it is covered in starch, so you can imagine the crunchiness of it.
These are named after small oranges because the outside texture and their color are similar to that of an orange. While it is known to have a spherical shape, Sicily uses a more conical one, especially in the eastern part.
This more elongated shape is an homage to the volcano Etna. According to history, these rice balls emerged during the 10th century in Sicily.
They were traditionally eaten on the feast of Santa Lucia, which was a celebration of a large grain supply in 1646, back when the island was experiencing a famine.
Ingredients for Making Arancini
To make this dish, you need to make sure that you have all the right ingredients. Arancini di riso is made of different parts, so you will need a few sets of ingredients for the filling, risotto, breading, and for serving.
Check out this full list of ingredients.
For the Filling
- Meat sauce, or tomato or spaghetti sauce, whichever you prefer
- Four ounces of mozzarella cut into cubes
- Three ounces of cooked peas, optional
For the Risotto
- Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Four ounces white wine
- Around 30 ounces chicken or vegetable stock, whichever you prefer
- Salt
- One egg
- Two cups or 15 ounces of Carnaroli or Arborio rice; for risotto, Carnaroli is the preferred type
For the Breading
- All-purpose flour
- Two beaten eggs
- Breadcrumbs
For Serving
- Oil for frying
- Tomato sauce
- Basil leaves for garnish
Keep in mind that the ingredients used for arancini may vary depending on the region. However, in Sicily, it is traditionally made using tomato sauce, rice, and cheese.
Other variations can exist depending on the place and chef who developed the recipe you are following.
How to Make Arancini di Riso – A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you now have all the ingredients you need to make this dish. This recipe can help you make your very own Sicilian rice balls.
- Make the risotto. Place your rice into a sauté pan along with the oil. Make sure to stir quickly for one or two minutes. While stirring, pour the white wine, then the stock little by little. Once all the liquid is gone and you are done. Just add salt if needed.
- The rice should be cooked and al dente. Crack the egg into the risotto and mix.
- Cool the mixture down by placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can also chill it overnight. This will make it easier to handle and more flavorful.
- Take out the mixture. Prepare to roll it into balls. To place your cheese cube, flatten some rice into your hand and add the cube in the middle. After this, gently roll the rice into a ball. Do this until you use up all of your risotto.
- To start frying, roll it in flour, then in the beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs.
- Heat your oil to an adequate level. Place your balls into the oil and wait for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with some tomato sauce and basil.
Conclusion
Cooking this Sicilian delicacy is easy. Just make sure that you follow the instructions and you can soon enjoy these cheesy rice balls.
You can serve them as appetizers or make a full meal out of it by serving them with a green salad or some sauteed veggies. They're as close as you're going to get to the real thing without a trip to Italy.
