Golden Fried Arancini with Mozzarella (25 Minutes)

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Arancini (also known as stuffed rice balls) are a delightful Italian dish that features crispy and golden-fried rice balls filled with a creamy and flavorful center.

These bite-sized delights originated in Sicily and have become a beloved food around the world.

The traditional filling consists of a combination of risotto, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables.

In this recipe, we’ll be making classic arancini with a gooey mozzarella center. Yum!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups cooked risotto rice
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked risotto rice, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Take a small portion of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and shape the rice mixture into a ball, ensuring the cheese is completely covered. Repeat this process with the remaining rice and mozzarella cubes.
  3. In a shallow dish, beat the eggs. Place the bread crumbs in another shallow dish.
  4. Dip each rice ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well coated. Then roll it in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated rice balls to the hot oil and fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Once cooked, transfer the arancini to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve the arancini hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For the best results, it’s important to use properly cooked risotto rice, as it provides the ideal texture and consistency for the rice balls. The rice should be slightly sticky, allowing it to hold its shape when formed into balls. When shaping the arancini, make sure the mozzarella cube is fully enclosed within the rice mixture to prevent any leakage during frying. When frying the arancini, maintain a consistent medium-high heat to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked exterior. Be cautious when handling hot oil to ensure safety in the kitchen. Serve the arancini immediately while they are still warm and the cheese filling is gooey and delicious. These arancini are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even as a main dish when accompanied by a side salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition

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