Description
Golden, crispy Italian arancini made from creamy risotto, stuffed with mozzarella cheese, and deep-fried to perfection. Served with marinara sauce and Parmesan, they’re ideal for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 1/2 cups warm vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Deglaze with white wine.
- Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly, until rice is al dente and creamy. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and let cool completely.
- With damp hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of risotto and flatten it. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and shape into a ball.
- Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry arancini in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the risotto is completely cooled before forming arancini to help them hold shape.
- You can prepare the risotto a day in advance and chill overnight.
- Try using different cheeses like fontina or provolone for variety.
- Bake instead of frying for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg