22/05/2024
Arancini are a typical Sicilian rice dish consisting of a ball of rice filled with ragù and cheese, breaded and fried. They are a perfect appetizer or second course for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the rice:
500 g of Vialone nano rice
1.2 l of water
1 packet of saffron
50 g of butter
130 g of grated caciocavallo cheese
Salt to taste
For the ragù:
250 g of ground beef
250 g of ground pork
1 onion
1 carrot
1 celery stalk
2 bay leaves
2-3 cloves
30 g of extra virgin olive oil
500 ml of tomato sauce
1 glass of red wine
150 g of peas
Salt and pepper to taste
For breading:
Flour to taste
2 eggs
Breadcrumbs to taste
Frying oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice: Cook the rice in abundant salted water with the saffron for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Drain and cool completely.
2. Prepare the ragù: In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion, carrot and celery with the olive oil.
3. Assemble the Arancini:
Take a portion of rice and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of ragù and a piece of caciocavallo cheese in the center. Close the rice around the filling, forming a sphere.
You can shape the arancini however you like:
4. Breading the Arancini:
Dredge the arancini in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Make sure the breading is even and compact.
5. Frying the Arancini:
Fry the arancini in plenty of hot frying oil (around 170°C or 338°F) until golden brown.
It's important not to overcrowd the pan to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
6. Draining the Arancini:
Drain the arancini on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serving:
Serve the arancini hot.
Enjoy your meal!