Recipe Arancini

Arancini

Arancini or arancine are fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, said to have originated in Sicily in the 10th century. Arancini are usually filled with ragù (meat sauce), tomato sauce, mozzarella, and/or peas.

There are a number of local variants that differ in fillings and shape. The name derives from the food's shape and color, which is reminiscent of an orange (the Italian word for orange is arancia, and arancina means "little orange").

In Italian literature, Inspector Montalbano, the main character of Andrea Camilleri's novels, is a well-known lover of arancini and he has contributed to making this dish known outside of Italy.

In Roman cuisine, supplì are similar, but commonly filled with cheese. In Naples, rice balls are called pall'e riso (rice balls).

Ingredients:

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Kosher salt

1 cup arborio rice

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)

1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese (2 ounces)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 large eggs

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil, for frying