Authentic Sicilian Arancine: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 300 grams of risotto rice
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 150 grams of bread crumbs
  • 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 200 grams of ground beef
  • 100 grams of peas
  • 200 grams of tomato sauce
  • 100 grams of mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Frying oil

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, cooking until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef to the saucepan and cook until it's browned. Stir in the peas and tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes, then set aside.
  3. In a separate saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the risotto rice and cook until the rice has absorbed all the broth. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  4. Stir the Parmesan cheese and one egg into the cooled rice until well combined.
  5. To form the arancine, take a handful of the rice and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture and a cube of mozzarella in the center, then cover with more rice. Shape it into a ball or cone shape, then set aside.
  6. Beat the second egg in a bowl. Place the flour and bread crumbs in separate bowls. Dip each arancine in the flour, then the beaten egg, and finally roll them in the bread crumbs until fully coated.
  7. Heat the frying oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the arancine a few at a time, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  8. Serve the arancine hot, enjoy while the mozzarella inside is still melted.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different crust: Instead of bread crumbs, you can try using crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a different texture and flavor.
  • Alternative flour: Instead of all-purpose flour, you can experiment with using almond flour, chickpea flour, or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of arancine.
  • Meat-free option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.
  • Cheese variations: Instead of mozzarella, you can try using other cheeses like fontina, gorgonzola, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Add herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor of the meat mixture by adding herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme, and spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to give it an extra kick.
  • Stuff with other fillings: Get creative and stuff the arancine with different fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, cooked shrimp, or even a spoonful of Nutella for a sweet twist.

Recipe overview

Arancine, also known as arancini, are delicious, crispy, deep-fried balls of rice hailing from Sicily. These savory treats are stuffed with a meat ragù, peas, and melted mozzarella cheese, providing a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. This traditional Italian street food is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, and they're sure to be a hit at your next gathering. This recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the meat filling to shaping the rice balls, ensuring you end up with perfectly crispy arancine. Expect a hands-on cooking experience that's fun and rewarding, resulting in a dish that's comforting, appetizing, and packed full of authentic Italian flavor.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice for arancine? Yes, you can use other types of short-grain rice like Arborio or Carnaroli if you don't have risotto rice available. However, the texture may differ slightly.
  2. Can I make the arancine ahead of time and reheat them? While it's best to enjoy arancine fresh and hot, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) until heated through.
  3. Can I freeze arancine? Yes, you can freeze arancine before frying them. After shaping the rice balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying.
  4. Can I bake the arancine instead of frying them? Traditionally, arancine are deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior. However, if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can try baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. What other fillings can I use for arancine? While the classic filling is a meat sauce with mozzarella, you can get creative with the fillings. Some popular options include spinach and ricotta, mushroom and fontina cheese, or even a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables and feta cheese.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - For cooking the onion, ground beef, and tomato sauce.
  • Large saucepan - To cook the risotto rice and vegetable broth.
  • Bowl - Used for beating the eggs and coating the arancine.
  • Deep fryer or large saucepan - For frying the arancine.
  • Slotted spoon - To transfer the fried arancine to a plate lined with paper towels.
  • Plate - To serve the arancine.
  • Paper towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried arancine.

Origin stories

Born in the sun-drenched kitchens of Sicily, Arancine pays homage to the island's vibrant history and culinary traditions. Named for the Italian word 'arancia', meaning orange, these delightful rice balls resemble the fruit in both shape and color. But the story of Arancine goes far beyond its citrusy semblance. It's said this dish was conceived during the Arab rule in Sicily, around the 10th century, a testament to the island's complex cultural tapestry. The filling, often a hearty meat sauce, peas and gooey mozzarella, is encased in saffron-infused rice - a nod to the Persian influences on Sicilian cuisine. Golden, crisp, and irresistibly savory, Arancine is more than just a meal. It's a bite-sized chronicle of Sicily's rich heritage, a gastronomic narrative that continues to evolve, one delicious morsel at a time.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.