Here is a simple and easy step-by-step recipe for :
Ingredients:
4 cups cooked risotto
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup of flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped into small cubes
Oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Mix the cooked risotto, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. This mixture will form the base for our arancini balls.
2. Scoop out a handful of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of the ball, but be careful not to push all the way through. The indentation will help you to add your filling.
3. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the indentation and then carefully close the ball around it, making sure that the cheese does not touch the outside of the ball. Make sure there are no gaps in the rice as this could result in the cheese spilling out during frying.
4. Roll the ball in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and lastly coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated arancini ball on a baking sheet and repeat the process until all the risotto mixture has been used.
5. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. Fry the arancini balls in batches, about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon or a spider strainer to remove the arancini balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
6. Serve the arancini balls hot, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
• Be sure to keep your risotto mixture chilled before starting the arancini process. This will make it easier to handle and form into balls.
• To save time, you can make the risotto the day before and then use it to make arancini the next day.
• If you prefer, you can use different fillings for the arancini balls, such as ham, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.
• You can also bake the arancini balls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the arancini balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Arancini is a fantastic way to use up leftover risotto and turn it into something new and exciting. It is simple to make, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste buds. This classic Italian dish is perfect for a dinner party or a casual family meal, and it tastes great when served either hot or cold. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!