What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Arborio rice
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, diced
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook the Risotto
In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent. Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil. Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, a ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the rice absorbs each ladle of broth.
Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice becomes creamy and tender, usually taking about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Flavors
Once the risotto is cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends well into the rice. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Form the Arancini
Allow the risotto to cool for a while until it’s comfortable to handle. Take a small portion of rice and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the rice around it, shaping it into a ball.
Repeat the process until you’ve used all the risotto mixture.
Step 4: Coat the Arancini
In one bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt. Dip each rice ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it is evenly covered.
Step 5: Fry and Enjoy
In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the arancini into the oil, frying them until they turn golden brown and crispy. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes per arancino.
Once fried, transfer the arancini to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy this delectable Italian treat!
Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of making arancini di riso. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your homemade Italian rice balls. Remember, the variations of arancini are endless, so feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these delicious treats are sure to be a hit!