Who doesn’t love a snack that’s cheesy, crispy, and fun to eat? These easy cheesy rice balls are a perfect treat that both kids and adults will adore. They’re simple to make and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or a lunchbox surprise. Get ready to discover 15 delightful recipes that will transform humble rice into a family favorite.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become soft and golden. Incorporate the diced ham and cook until it turns golden brown.
- Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well-coated with the oil mixture. Pour in the white wine and cook until it mostly evaporates. Add hot chicken broth and salt, then cover and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Mix in the peas, cover the pot, and cook for an additional two minutes. Spread the rice mixture onto a baking sheet to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.
- With wet hands, form rice balls using a heaping ice cream scoop of the rice mixture. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each ball and form the rice around it to enclose the cheese.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with bread crumbs. Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat with bread crumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat until it reaches 350?F. Fry the breaded rice balls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook each batch for about three minutes, turning to achieve a golden brown color on all sides.
- Transfer the fried rice balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt immediately and serve warm, ideally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup ham, finely diced (about 3 oz)
- 2 cups Jasmine rice, un-rinsed
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
- 5 cups hot chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus additional for sprinkling on fried arancini)
- 1 cup frozen peas, fully thawed
- 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4560kcal | Carbs: 552g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 792mg | Sodium: 9216mg | Potassium: 3576mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 5760IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 2688mg | Iron: 28.8mg
FAQ
- What are Arancini?
- Arancini are traditional Sicilian rice balls that are filled with cheese and sometimes meat, then coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried to a golden crisp. They have been a beloved Italian dish for centuries.
- Can Arancini be eaten cold?
- Arancini are best enjoyed warm when their centers are creamy and cheesy. However, they can be eaten cold or reheated, with the latter often preferred to restore their crispy exterior.
- How should I reheat Arancini?
- For refrigerated Arancini, bake on a rimmed baking sheet at 400°F for about 15 minutes. If frozen, you can bake them directly from the freezer at 400°F for 20 minutes without thawing first.
- What kind of breadcrumbs should I use for Arancini?
- It’s recommended to use Italian-style breadcrumbs as they enhance the authentic flavor of the dish and help create a crisp texture due to their finer crumb.
- Are Arancini very oily like typical deep-fried foods?
- Despite being fried, Arancini do not have the greasy taste or texture of many deep-fried foods. The compact rice and light breadcrumb coating help minimize oil absorption, making them a delightful treat.
Tips
- Use Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian-style breadcrumbs to achieve an authentic Italian flavor. Their finer texture also aids in binding the outer layer of the rice ball, ensuring a crispy finish.
- Cool the Rice Mixture Properly: Spread the cooked rice mixture on a baking sheet to cool to room temperature before forming the rice balls. This helps the mixture hold its shape better and makes it easier to handle.
- Form Tightly Packed Rice Balls: When shaping the rice balls, use wet hands and pack them tightly around the mozzarella cheese cubes. This ensures the cheese stays enclosed during frying.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at 350?F and fry the arancini in small batches to prevent overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown crust on all sides.
