Delicious Arancini Italian Rice Balls Recipe

Learn how to make delicious Arancini Italian Rice Balls with this easy and authentic recipe. Arancini are crispy fried rice balls filled with gooey melted cheese and flavorful ingredients. They are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course. This recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious rice balls from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the Arborio rice to the boiling broth and stir well.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes or until cooked and tender.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until they become translucent.
5. Add the diced ham, thawed peas, and chopped parsley to the pan and stir well.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix everything together.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
8. Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it in your hand.
10. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened rice and carefully shape the rice mixture into a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
11. Repeat this process with the remaining rice mixture and cheese cubes.
12. Dip each rice ball into beaten eggs, then roll them in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
13. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
14. Fry the rice balls in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
15. Remove the fried Arancini from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
16. Serve the Arancini Italian Rice Balls hot with a side of marinara sauce or as desired.

Interesting Facts